Portrait of a Sufi
📖 The Story
VERIFIED HISTORY
This early seventeenth-century painting, attributed to the Deccan region of India, portrays a Sufi in a moment of deep introspection.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art identifies the figure as a Sufi through his long-sleeved khirqa cloak and wrapped turban. His curled posture and lowered gaze suggest meditation and inward contemplation.
The Met also connects the image to khalwa, a Sufi practice of withdrawing from ordinary distractions for sustained prayer and meditation. Young practitioners could undertake such periods under the guidance of a shaikh, while experienced Sufis might continue the practice independently.
The work was created with ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper.
📜 Provenance & Evidence
Origin
Islamic Art — Codices
Region
India
Period
first quarter 17th century
Material
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Artist / Maker
Unknown
Dimensions
Overall: H. 15 3/8 In. (39 cm)
W. 10 3/8 in. (26.3 cm)
Painting: H. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
W. 8 7/8 in. (22.5 cm)
Department
Islamic Art
Classification
Codices
Credit Line
Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
Rights
Public Domain
Source
Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object ID 451401
Official Museum Record
Evidence Status
VERIFIED
