ANTIQUITIES AND ISLAMIC ART SALE
Lot 296:
Description
A striking and monumental oil on canvas portrait depicting Ahmad Shah Qajar (r. 1909–1925), the last ruling monarch of the Qajar dynasty in Persia (modern-day Iran). Rendered in rich, saturated tones, the young monarch is presented in full regalia, standing confidently against a subdued architectural backdrop.
He is dressed in an ornate military-style uniform, adorned with elaborate medals and sashes, including the distinctive Order of the Lion and Sun, signifying royal authority and international honors. The majestic feathered headdress and formal saber with tasseled hilt emphasize his regal status and the ceremonial nature of the portrait.
The sitter stands beside an upholstered throne-like red chair with carved wooden detailing, subtly reinforcing his role as sovereign. The painting reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of late Qajar portraiture, which blended European academic techniques with Persian visual traditions, particularly in court painting and official iconography.
The reverse shows a plain stretcher, indicating the painting has likely been re-stretched and conserved in recent years, preserving its vibrant color and structural integrity.
97 x 67cm
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