Portrait of a Scholar

Currently not on view

Portrait of a Scholar

c. 1595

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Pakistani

This delicate drawing, probably intended as a finished work, is most likely a copy or adaptation of one of the European engravings given to Emperor Akbar. Not only has the Mughal artist used a translucent wash to add roundness to the figures and drapery, but he has also borrowed the idea, if not the exact process, of European one-point perspective in the receding architecture and table. Other motifs, such as the cat at the lower right, are lifted directly from European prototypes.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Portrait of a Scholar

Date:

c. 1595

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Pakistani

Medium:

Ink wash on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 6 1/4 × 4 inches (15.9 × 10.2 cm) Sheet: 9 × 6 inches (22.9 × 15.2 cm)

Classification:

Drawings

Credit Line:

Gift of Carl Zigrosser, 1959

Accession Number:

1959-94-30

Geography:

Made in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India, Asia or made in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty (1526-1858) Reign: Akbar (1556-1605)

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Currently not on view