Portrait of an Aging Man

Description

This sensitive portrait survives as a fragment, part of a study for a larger painting. This man’s Mughal tunic, with a katar dagger tucked into the sash, indicates that he is a noble, probably Hindu, because the tunic is tied under the left arm. The gesture of his right hand—just a ghost of an indication—and slightly parted lips suggest that he is making a request. His upright posture reveals an inner strength and dignity despite the affliction to his eyes, which seem no longer able to see.

Provenance

(Kasmin Gallery, London, UK, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?-1968); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1968-)

Portrait of an Aging Man

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c. 1700

Accession Number

1968.41

Medium

Ink and gum tempera on paper

Dimensions

Overall: 18 x 13.3 cm (7 1/16 x 5 1/4 in.)

Classification

Drawing

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Cornelia Blakemore Warner Fund