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Extremely Fine and Rare Islamic Qajar Portrait Painting of Prophet Mohammad

Offered by: Solomon Treasure

Description
An extremely fine and rare Islamic Qajar dynasty portrait oil on canvas painting of Prophet Mohammad, signed and dated, 1883.

This rare, historic, Persian painting captures fine painted portraits of Prophet Mohammad, his son in law Ali, his two grandsons Hassan and Hossein, his uncle, and few of his closest followers including Salman Farsi. The architectural background resembles a mosque.

Signed by Rahim Kashani and its dated 1301 Hejri (1883).

The most interesting aspect of this painting is the portraiture of Prophet Mohammad which is very rare, as portraitures in Islam are not that common. Next to each portrait there is a name, most of them were his early followers, like his son in law and cousin Imam Ali, his uncle, and Salman Farsi.

Portraits of Imam Ali and his two sons have appeared in paintings, most famously are from Ismail Jalayer, a mid-19th century painter, one in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection.

Portraits of Prophet Mohammad have also appeared in miniatures, dating from the 17th century, mainly images of Meraj (ascension), where he is accompanied by angels going to heaven, but very few in this format are presented in this oil on canvas painting.

Size overall with frame 37" x 33"
Canvas size 23" x 27"

Very good condition. Normal wear consistent with age and use. Canvas relined.

Provenance: From the collection of ESKANDAR ALEX ARYE

The Qajar dynasty was an Iranian royal dynasty of Turkic origin, specifically from the Qajar tribe, ruling over Iran from 1789-1925. The Qajar family took full control of Iran in 1794, deposing Lotf 'Ali Khan, the last Shah of the Zand dynasty, and re-asserted Iranian sovereignty over large parts of the Caucasus.