A GROUP OF WOMEN AND A YOUNG BOY, PERSIA, QAJAR, CIRCA 1870-90

Watercolour on paper

Adrienne Minassian, New York, 1950s

In general good condition, upper edge of painted area and upper margin very slightly uneaven, a very fine crease in the upper left corner, slight horizontal abrasion on the face of the foreground figure in green, bright colors. 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."

This is an interesting and striking image, painted in a style associated with Qajar art of the second half of the 19th century when artists had been sent to Europe to train in western techniques and introduced a new style of painting to the court painters of Nasir al-Din Shah's reign. This work is almost photographic in manner, with a direct realism that is powerfully rendered, and is reminiscent of the work of Muhammad Ghaffari Kamal al-Mulk. This artist was a member of the talented Ghaffari family, who for several generations produced artists of outstanding ability. He studied at the Dar al-Funun in Tehran from the tender age of twelve and there was exposed to the western techniques that were fashionable at the time. In the 1870s he was given his own atelier and was appointed naqqash-bashi (painter laureate) in 1880.