Portrait of an African Official

Currently not on view

Portrait of an African Official

c. 1610-1620

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Longstanding and extensive commerce, controlled primarily by rulers on the Deccan plateau, took place between India and Africa's east coast. This portrait of a dark-skinned man in formal court attire may be Malik Ambar, a famous African slave turned powerful Deccani warrior and statesman. Although the Mughals captured the capital of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate in 1600, Malik Ambar soon won back all of its territories, and by 1620 he was powerful enough to threaten the Mughals deep inside their vast empire. The peculiar way of looping the sash over the waist-hung purse or penbox is characteristic of Ahmadnagar portraits. The outer border is not original, and the name written on it in nagari script is otherwise unknown.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Portrait of an African Official

Date:

c. 1610-1620

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 5 5/8 × 3 1/16 inches (14.3 × 7.8 cm) Sheet: 9 7/8 × 6 3/8 inches (25.1 × 16.2 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

Gift of Dr. Alvin O. Bellak, 1998

Accession Number:

1998-115-1

Geography:

Made in Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra, Deccan Region, India, Asia

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view