Decorated calligraphic panel

Details

Decorated calligraphic panel
by Isma'il Jalayir
Persia circa 1860

Gouache on buff card, comprising a Persian couplet written in large nasta'liq in dark grey, the interiors of the letters filled with closely drawn flowers, the other inscription in smaller white nasta'liq reading "This panel was prepared by Isma'il Naqqash, official artist of Iran to Mirza 'Ali Ashgar Khan, Prime Minister", the remaining space filled with a dense design of flowers, birds, horned sheep, lions and leopards in grey and white (very light wear), the reverse with a calligraphic sketch, and partially worked drawing of Abraham and Isaac with similar ram in grey and white, framed and glazed
39½ x 21in. (100 x 53cm.)

Lot Essay

Isma'il Jalayir was one of the most celebrated painters at the court of Nasir al-Din Shah. This panel is typical of his distinctive style in which well-observed animals and birds compete with the calligraphy for prominence.

The reverse of the panel shows a working drawing, perhaps for an oil painting, of 'Abraham sacrificing Isaac'.

A smaller panel by the artist was sold in these rooms 26 April 1994, lot 89.

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