- 51
John Smart
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
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Description
- John Smart
- Portrait of Hafiz Muhammad Munavvar Khan, Amir-ul-umara, of Arcot
- signed with initials l.l.: JS / 1787 / I
- 5.6 by 4.1 cm.; 2 1/4 by 1 11/16 in.
wearing a gold bordered white muslin jama, a blue lined gold tissue surcoat, jewelled cross-band and gold and white turban sewn with pearls, gold frame
Provenance
Greta S. Heckett, Pittsburgh, her sale in these Rooms, 11 July 1977, lot 192;
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 19 October 1981, lot 154
Anonymous sale in these Rooms, 19 October 1981, lot 154
Exhibited
Pittsburgh, Carnegie Institute, Four Centuries of Portrait Miniatures from the Heckett Collection, 1954, cat. no. 42
Literature
Archer 1979, p. 392, fig. 295
Condition
Ivory ground.
This miniature is in excellent condition. The mottled appearance on his cheeks is the artist's skillful rendition of the sitter's pitted skin.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Hafiz Muhammad Munawwar Khan Bahadur, was the second son of Muhammad 'Ali and Begum Sahiba. As his father's favourite son he was appointed Heir Apparent in March 1768. Muhammad 'Ali's dynastic wishes were implied in a painting by George Willison, painted in Madras circa 1779, in which the Nawab is depicted with Hafiz Muhammad and the latter's eldest son, Abdu'l 'Ali (see Archer 1979, p. 103, fig. 60). In 1773 the Emperor Shah Alam granted Hafiz Muhammad the title Amir ul-Umara in recognition of his services in capturing Tanjore. The prince died in 1788, a year after this portrait was taken.