Description:

 A PRINCE IN THE WILDERNESS, 19TH CENTURY
Persia, 19th century

Description:
Opaque watercolour and gold on paper; this finely executed Qajar-era miniature presents a princely youth standing amidst a stylised woodland, gazing skyward while holding onto a gracefully arching tree branch. He wears a lavish robe of turquoise adorned with ornate calligraphic cartouches and a vivid green sash tied at the waist. The scene is filled with naturalistic elements—twisting tree trunks, scattered rocks, and delicate shrubs—rendered in soft, harmonious tones. The figure’s red boots and elegant turban with trailing ends add further distinction. Framed by layered borders in blue, ivory, and green, the work exudes regal poise and romantic idealism.

Dimensions:
37 x 23.5cm

Comparable examples:

  • Sotheby’s, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 26 April 2023, Lot 113, Qajar miniature of a prince in a garden, £7,560 

  • Bonhams, London, Islamic and Indian Art, 29 October 2019, Lot 102, Persian painting of a youthful court figure, 19th century, £6,120 

  • Christie’s, London, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 27 October 2022, Lot 109, full-length figure of a Qajar noble, £6,930 

Note:
Portraits of princely youths in natural settings were a popular motif in Qajar painting, celebrating idealised beauty, courtly refinement, and the poetic fusion of man and nature. The use of calligraphic motifs in the robe reflects a tradition of symbolic embellishment that merges text and image, elevating the figure from the earthly to the literary and spiritual realms.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000