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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1920.23
Title
Portrait of a Young Afsharid Nobleman
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
c. 1740-1800
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India
Period
Mughal period
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216766

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
21.5 x 15 cm (8 7/16 x 5 7/8 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Dr. Denman W. Ross
Accession Year
1920
Object Number
1920.23
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
A young nobleman sits on a floral rug and against a large floral cylindrical pillow on an outdoor terrace. He wears a green vest decorated with a gold pattern and fur trim. His hat is distinct to the Afsharids, an Iranian dynasty that ruled between 1736 and 1796. It was founded by the military commander Nader Shah (r. 1736-1747), who sacked the Mughal capital of Delhi in 1739. Based on the turban ornament (sarpech) tucked into the hat’s sash, this young figure was likely affiliated with Afsharid nobility. He holds a pink rose up in his right hand. The large losses in paint reveal the under-drawing.

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu