- 79
Muzaffar al-Din Shah (r.1896-1907) in coronation regalia, Persia, Qajar, circa 1900
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- oil on canvas
oil on canvas
Condition
In generally good condition, re-lined and extended (painted in a slightly different colour around the external borders), there is age and damage around the edge of the canvas where it was relined, the canvas on the reverse is visibly taught, there is some retouching in certain areas, notably to the top-left quadrant and minor retouchings throughout a slightly darker vertical line to the left-hand side, probably an old canvas join, varnished, 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."
"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
The fifth ruler of the Qajar dynasty, Muzaffar al-Din Shah (r.1896-1907), is depicted here wearing his standard uniform of the period, including a black astrakhan hat with square jewelled aigrette and diamond-encrusted insignia pinned to his breast.
This portrait can be compared to another rendering of the Shah in the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (published in A.T. Adamova and M. Bayani, Persian Painting - The Arts of the Book and Portraiture, London, 2015, pp.508-510, cat.41). Signed by Muhammad Kamal al-Mulk, it shares with the present version the depiction of the ruler within an oval cartouche, "...in the European academic style of oil painting adopted in the Dar al-Funun" (ibid., p.509). The realism, similar age, and shading of both portraits suggests that they were based on photographs. The photograph that the present painting is based on is in the Brooklyn Museum (1997.3.122).
This portrait can be compared to another rendering of the Shah in the Al-Sabah Collection, Kuwait (published in A.T. Adamova and M. Bayani, Persian Painting - The Arts of the Book and Portraiture, London, 2015, pp.508-510, cat.41). Signed by Muhammad Kamal al-Mulk, it shares with the present version the depiction of the ruler within an oval cartouche, "...in the European academic style of oil painting adopted in the Dar al-Funun" (ibid., p.509). The realism, similar age, and shading of both portraits suggests that they were based on photographs. The photograph that the present painting is based on is in the Brooklyn Museum (1997.3.122).