Portrait of a Sufi
Sufis frequently spent periods of up to forty days in isolation in the wilderness. This practice, called khalwa, facilitated distraction-free meditation and prayer. Young sufis would engage in this habit under the guidance of a shaikh, and more advanced sufis would sustain this practice independently throughout their lives.
Artwork Details
- Title: Portrait of a Sufi
- Date: first quarter 17th century
- Geography: Attributed to India, Deccan, Bijapur
- Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
- Dimensions: Overall: H. 15 3/8 In. (39 cm)
W. 10 3/8 in. (26.3 cm)
Painting: H. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
W. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm) - Classification: Codices
- Credit Line: Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
- Object Number: 57.51.22
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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