A portrait of Mirza Ulugh Beg, India, Mughal, mid-17th century

Gouache with gold on paper, later borders with floral designs in colours and gold on cream paper in the style of the Shah Jaham Albums, original cover paper bearing an inscription in William Fraser's hand "Meerza Oolugh Beg servant of Akbar, an original picture", inscription on outside of cover paper in black ink in Persian script "nmbr 5" (number 5)

In the Collection of William (1784-1835) and James Fraser (1783-1856)
By direct descent to Malcolm R. Fraser Esq

In generally fair condition. Some small spots of flaking and retouching, principally on the hands and face. Green grass area with some slight flaking. As viewed.
"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."

This is an original seventeenth-century portrait, set into early nineteenth-century borders in the style of the Shah Jahan albums. The sitter is identified by William Fraser in an inscription on the original cover paper as Mirza Ulugh Beg, a courtier of Emperor Akbar. Mirza Ulugh Beg has not so far been definitively identified, but a courtier called Mirza Beg was chief guard under Jahangir and was trampled to death by an elephant in 1622 (see Thackston 1999, p.386), and may be the same person. The use of a brown background for portraits of courtiers in royal Mughal albums was not uncommon. In the so-called Kevorkian Album in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, three courtiers - Abdul Khaliq, Rup Singh and Jahangir Beg are portrayed against similar brown backgrounds (see Welch et al 1987, nos. 26,  29, 67).