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13 août 2012

Young Prince, mid-16th century. Signed by Muhammad Haravi, Safavid period. Herat, Afghanistan

F1937

Young Prince, mid-16th century. Signed by Muhammad Haravi, Safavid period. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper. H: 34.1 W: 24.0 cm. Herat, Afghanistan. Purchase F1937.8© 2012 Smithsonian Institution
 
After the late fifteenth century in Iran, artists not only worked on illustrated manuscripts, but they also composed individual paintings and drawings that were gathered in albums. Among the most popular subject matter for album page compositions was that of elegant, often contemplative, young men and women. Like this meticulously dressed youth by Muhammad Haravi (i.e., from the city of Herat), the figures are idealized and frequently are portrayed with certain props, such as a book, a wine cup, or a flower.

These images may no longer relate directly to a specific text, but they can be interpreted as visual evocations of certain Persian poetic conceits, such as youthful beauty, the solace of wine, or yearning for the beloved. The youth's elaborate coat, representing a fine Safavid figural textile, is particularly noteworthy. Decorated with warriors taking both male and female prisoners, the animated design stands in sharp contrast to the calm, meditative expression of the youth.

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