Portrait d'un derviche (Gyath) monté en page d'album, attribué à Reza-i Abbasi, Iran, Isfahan, art safavide, deuxième quart du XVIIème siècle

encre, gouache et or sur papier, dessin à la plume, à décor rehaussé en polychromie, représentant un derviche marchant, sceau de possesseur en partie effacé, entraînant la disparition et la reprise d'une partie de la signature, les marges bleues à décor de rinceaux sur un fond sablé d'or

F. de Ricqlès, Miniatures et Manuscrits Orientaux, Paris, Drouot, 22 mars 1996, lot 102.

M. Baroumand, Gozr-i ve Nazar-i dar Khelvet ghurbat, France, 2012, p. 178

As mentioned in the catalogue the possessor seal has been partially erased with a resukt that the signature needed to be written again. That is why the drawing is described as attributed instead of signed. There are minor areas of missing paint due to usual wear, mainly to the black shoes.
"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."

Inscription : "Aghari Hâji Mashq chod Kamtarin Reza-i Abbasi". This portrait is very close to another one depicting the same old man mentioning his name "Gyath", conserved in the Khalili Collection (inv. no. MSS 997), published in : M. B. Piotrosvky, J. M. Rogers and A. A. Ivanov, Heaven on Earth, Art from the Islamic Land, Prestel, London, 2004 and S. Canby, The Rebellious Reformer: The Drawings and Paintings of Riza-yi Abbasi of Isfahan, Tauris IB, London, 1996, no.104. Reza was born around the year 1565. He followed his father's profession and by the mid-1580s was active as a painter. After Shah Abbas moved his capital from Qazvin to Isfahan in 1598, Reza was given the title Abbasi, and subsequently used the signature "Reza-i Abbasi", although he did not use it frequently until after 1610. He was the most influential artist of the 17th century.