About the Artwork
This man’s lavishly brocaded robes point to his high rank, and the round style of his turban suggests a link with the northwestern areas of the Mughal empire. He is likely Sa‘id Khan, a powerful commander honored with the title Zafarjang, meaning “victorious in battle.” Sa‘id Khan Zafarjang governed Kabul province for Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned the album to which this portrait was added in the 1650s. Artists then framed it with figures holding swords and shields—reinforcing the subject’s military identity.
Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso)
portrait ca. 1638-1650, borders between 1650 and 1658
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Indian
Mughal
Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Overall: 15 3/16 × 9 7/8 inches (38.6 × 25.1 cm) Image: 8 1/4 × 4 3/8 inches (21 × 11.1 cm)
Paintings
Islamic Art
Museum Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund
2019.98.B
This work is in the public domain.
Markings
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Provenance
between 1650-58, commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
1739, assumed to be looted by Afsharid ruler Nadir Shah and taken to Iran. late 19th century, taken to Russia by brother of Qajar ruler Nasir al-Din Shah
late 19th century, sold to Armenian dealer (Russia). 1909, purchased by (Georges Demotte [1877-1923], Paris, France). Leila Diba Collection (New York, New York, USA). Sarikhani Collection (London, England). Al Thani Collection (London, England and Paris, France)
consigned to (Christie's, New York, New York, USA)
2019-present, purchase by the Detroit Institute of Arts (Detroit, Michigan, USA)
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Provenance pageExhibition History
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The exhibition history of a number of objects in our collection only begins after their acquisition by the museum, and may reflect an incomplete record.
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Suggest FeedbackPublished References
Hillenbrand, Robert, et. al. The Sarikhani Collection: An Introduction. London, 2011, p. 17 [portrait only].
The Palace Museum and the Al Thani Collection. Treasures from the Al Thani Collection. Beijing, 2018, cat. no. 177, pp. 462-465.
Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence. Sales cat., Christie's. New York, 2019, lot no. 76, pp. 106–107.
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Credit Line for Reproduction
Mughal, Indian, Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso), portrait ca. 1638-1650, borders between 1650 and 1658, opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper. Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund, 2019.98.B.
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