- 164
A portrait of Napoleon on horseback, signed by Mirza Reza Ibn Muhammad 'Ali Ashtiyani Tabrizi, Persia, Tabriz, Qajar, dated 127(0) AH/1853 AD
Description
- watercolour on paper with writing
Provenance
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
In the middle cartouche:
'Picture of Napoleon setting up from Paris to fight the Commander of the Great Empire' (British Empire)
On the left cartouche, a dedication:
'It was made, exactly as himself, for His Lordship Mr Qavam al-Dawlah 127[0] AH' (1853 AD)
Qavam al-Dawlah is likely to be Mirza Muhammad Mustawfi Ashtiyani, a prominent Qajar Official who received the title 'Qavam al-Dawlah' in 1851 at his appointment as deputy to Prince Hishmat al-Dawlah in Azerbaijan. He was appointed minister of Khurasan in 1855, and later appointed to various posts including deputy governor of Isfahan, Fars and Minister of Customs and the Treasury. He died in 1873 (M. Bamdad, Dictionary of National Biography of Iran, 1700-1900, vol.III, Tehran, 1966, pp.267-72).
In the right cartouche, signed as:
'Drawn by the most humble Mirza Reza son of Muhammad 'Ali Ashtiyani Tabrizi 127[0] AH' (1853 AD)'