Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso)

Mughal, Indian
Not On View
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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 page

Exhibition History

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Published 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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Catalogue Raisoneé

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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.

Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso): Main View of Collection Gallery
Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso): 1 of Collection Gallery Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso): 2 of Collection Gallery

+ 5 images

Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso)
Portrait of Sa'id Khan Zafarjang, Folio from the Late Shah Jahan Album (verso)