.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The composition of this painting is closely comparable to a depiction of lovers embracing attributed to the Zand artist Muhammad Sadiq, dated circa 1770-80 (Diba, 1998, no.27, pp.156-157). Although the painting bears a date from the reign of Muhammad Shah (r. 1834-48), the clothing of the couple with the long-sleeved striped jacket with jewelled armbands worn over a transparent shirt reflect early nineteenth century fashion associated with the reign of his predecessor, Fath 'Ali Shah (1797-1834). The facial features of the girl with her joined eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, small mouth with slightly puckered lips and ornate hairstyle represent the Qajar ideal of beauty. The striking resemblance between the two figures suggests that the artist did not intend to portray them as individuals but as figures that would blend into the painting’s decorative setting.
As seen in painting of this period, perspective and illumination observed in the background of earlier Persian works, has been replaced by simpler designs. The striped floor covering in our painting appears almost parallel with the picture plane. The arrangement of the red curtain, green wall and large floral cushion behind the couple as well as details of the girl’s aigrette, jewelled cap and hair find close comparison with two depictions of santur players, dated to circa 1830-40 (Fellinger and Guillame, 2018, nos. 189, 190, pp. 176-179).
As seen in painting of this period, perspective and illumination observed in the background of earlier Persian works, has been replaced by simpler designs. The striped floor covering in our painting appears almost parallel with the picture plane. The arrangement of the red curtain, green wall and large floral cushion behind the couple as well as details of the girl’s aigrette, jewelled cap and hair find close comparison with two depictions of santur players, dated to circa 1830-40 (Fellinger and Guillame, 2018, nos. 189, 190, pp. 176-179).