Sale 219 Lot 159

PORTRAIT OF MUHAMMAD QULI QUTB SHAH Hyderabad, Deccan, India, circa 1800 Opaque pigments and gold on paper. Depicted standing three-quarter length in profile against a minimalist green landscape and clear blue sky, the haloed ruler stands with his left hand raised in a gestural pose while his right hand rests on the hilted pommel of a curved talwar sword. He is attired in an embroidered yellow robe patterned with gold floral sprigs, secured with a fine gold patka (sash), a jewel-encrusted turban adorned with a white aigrette feather (kalgi), and fitted orange boots. The portrait is framed by a rich dark blue border with elaborate gold floral scrollwork and fine rule borders. Drawing: 9.25 x 5.75 inches; frame: 205 x 13 inches
$800-1,000