Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar and his Vizier Haj Mirza Aghasi

Not on view

This imperial portrait shows Muhammad Shah, the third ruler of the Qajar dynasty (r. 1834–48), seated on a verandah in a traditional pose holding a jewel-studded sword as his trusted vizier reads him a letter. He wears a scarlet, European-style military uniform with pearl epaulettes and bejeweled armbands (bazubands) and a Qajar astrakhan hat with a plumed aigrette. Watercolor portraits of Muhammad Shah are rare; this painting combines traditional and Europeanizing stylistic elements and highlights the transitional spirit of court portraiture during his rule.

Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar and his Vizier Haj Mirza Aghasi, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

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Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar and his Vizier Haj Mirza Aghasi, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar and his Vizier Haj Mirza Aghasi, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar and his Vizier Haj Mirza Aghasi, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Portrait of Muhammad Shah Qajar and his Vizier Haj Mirza Aghasi, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

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