A PORTRAIT OF A KNEELING YOUTH, PERSIA, ISFAHAN, SAFAVID, EARLY 17TH CENTURY |

ink heightened with gold on buff paper, uncoloured ground decorated with flowers and clouds in gold, inscription at lower left

Sotheby's London, 12 October 2005, lot 32.

Minor stains and rubbing, folds, 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 a fine drawing typical of the Isfahan school of the seventeenth century, but the face of the youth is slightly unusual, with a more rounded nose than normal and wide, almost oriental features. This facial type appears on a drawing of a reclining woman in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (12.223.3, see Swietochowski 1989, no.20). There is a semi-legible inscription, probably an artist's signature, at the lower left which may read 'Kamal al-Katib' or 'Jamal al-Katib'.