A Portrait of Prince Sultan husayn Mirza Jalal Al-Sawla, signed by Mubarak Ibn Mahmud Al-Qajar (Grandson of Fath 'Ali Shah Qajar), Persia, circa 1880

Gouache heightened with gold on paper, the young prince standing in an interior with books and writing implements at his feet, a sheet of paper inscribed "dabiri be-khatt ast-o danesh be-hush agar 'aql dari darin hardo kush", a foliate medallion in the top left hand corner inscribed "shabih-e navab-e ashraf-e vala jalal al-dawla sarkar ruhi fadahu", a bow and arrow in his hands

Sold in these rooms 23 November 1976, lot 287

Treasures of Islam, Musée d'art et d'histoire, Geneva, 1985

Geneva 1985, no.192, p.201
Karimzadeh 1990, no. 21, p.588, 951

In good overall condition, a few very minor waterstains to the the left of the figure, colour and details are bright and bold as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscriptions

In the gold cartouche at upper left:
shabih-e navab-e ashraf-e vala jalal al-dawla sarkar ruhi fadahu
'The portrait of the Highness, the Noble, the Eminent, Jalal al-Dawla, to whom my soul is devoted'

The artist's signature:
raqam-i Mobarak ibn Mahmud al-Qajar
'drawn by Mobarak son of Mahmud of the Qajar family'

On the notebook on the floor, a couplet:
dabiri be-khatt ast-o danesh be-hush agar 'aql dari darin hardo kush
'the secret of secretarial work is in excellent handwriting, and knowledge and understanding; were you wise you would labour in both'

Prince Sultan Husayn Mirza, born in 1868, was the eldest son of Prince Mas'ud Mirza Zill al-Sultan, the governor of Isfahan under Nasir al-Din Shah.