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Portrait of a kneeling holy man, from the Prince Salim Album, c. 1556-60; border c
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Portrait of a kneeling holy man, from the Prince Salim Album, c. 1556-60; border c
Portrait of a kneeling holy man, from the Prince Salim Album, c. 1556-60; border c. 1602. One of the few surviving works that appear to have been made by an artist brought from Iran by Akbars father, Humayun, shortly after his arrival in Mughal India, this page was mounted into the Prince Salim Album in his breakaway court in Allahabad. The flowing lyrical contour lines, penetrating expression, and soft yet wiry texture of the beard reveal the hand of a master. The verse written above and below the painting is a quotation from a poetic sermon of the Persian author Sana i, who lived about 1100: If it were greed that led you to acquire learning, then be afraid, For at night, a thief with a torch can take away the choicest goods! The calligraphy suggests that the kneeling figure is a charlatan holy man who wears the blue robe of a Sufi mystic and acts with humility and piety for monetary gain rather than sincerity of devotion
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Media ID 19623754
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Attributed To Mughal Opaque Watercolour With Gold On Paper Persian
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable piece of art titled "Portrait of a kneeling holy man, from the Prince Salim Album". Created between 1556 and 1560, this exquisite work is believed to have been crafted by an Iranian artist brought to Mughal India by Humayun, the father of Akbar. The page was later incorporated into the Prince Salim Album in Allahabad. The portrait itself is a testament to the mastery of its creator. The flowing contour lines gracefully depict the figure's posture while capturing his penetrating expression. Notably, the soft yet wiry texture of his beard adds depth and character to this mesmerizing artwork. Accompanying this striking image are verses written above and below it, taken from a poetic sermon by Persian author Sana'i who lived around 1100. These words caution against acquiring knowledge for selfish motives such as greed, comparing it to losing one's most valuable possessions at night when thieves strike with torches. The calligraphy surrounding the painting further enhances its narrative significance. It suggests that the depicted holy man may be perceived as a charlatan wearing the blue robe associated with Sufi mystics but lacking sincerity in his devotion—instead using humility and piety as tools for personal gain. Preserved through time, this photograph print allows us to appreciate not only an extraordinary piece of art but also delve into deeper themes surrounding spirituality and authenticity within religious practices.
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