Qajar Persian Female Portrait on Canvas

Our magnificent oil on canvas depicting a sensuous Persian beauty, seated in luxurious surroundings, holding a gold and gemstone necklace and mirror, dates from the Qajar period and is apparently unsigned.  Believed to date from the early to mid nineteenth century.  Stretcher: 23 5/8 by 31 3/4 inches.  Frame: 29 3/8 by 37 1/2 inches.

Mounted in a modern carved and gilded frame.

Canvas has been relined and the stretcher, with bridled joints and keys, is not original.  There is considerable craquelure throughout and a few scuffs and nicks, and there may be areas of inpainting.  

She is adorned by a headdress of pearls, red jewel (likely spinel) and emeralds with string of pearls under her chin, a common element of Persian jewelry since the Timurid period.  She’s wearing a sheer undershirt (pirohan) decorated at the neckline and center with strings of emeralds and a central red stone.  Her lovely red outer blouse (nimtene) features white embroidered designs and elaborate cuffs, and her green skirt appears to be velvet.

She is seated on a carpet and resting against cylindrical shaped cushions (mutaqa) covered in brilliant yellow fabric with floral bouquet pattern, and a larger cushion with paisley (buteh) motif.

She holds a mirror in her left hand and a gold necklace with medallions and pendant that matches her other jewelry.