Artwork Page for Portrait of a blind man

Details / Information for Portrait of a blind man

Portrait of a blind man

c. 1750

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Medium
Gum tempera on paper
Measurements
Overall: 18 x 13.3 cm (7 1/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Cornelia Blakemore Warner Fund 1968.41
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
242B Indian Painting
ArtLens App
Print
?

Did You Know?

The subject of this drawing might be a posthumous portrait of the blind king Sital Dev of Mankot (reigned 1630–1660), who died several decades before this drawing was made.

Description

This sensitive portrait survives as a fragment, part of a study for a larger painting. White paint indicates areas the artist reworked. This man’s Mughal tunic, with a katar dagger tucked into the sash, indicates that he is a noble, probably Hindu, because the tunic is tied under the left arm. The gesture of his right hand—just a ghost of an indication—and slightly parted lips suggest that he is making a request.
A vertically oriented gum tempera drawing on aged, tan paper depicts a stout man kneeling in profile. He has a light skin tone and wears a large, wrapped turban and a translucent garment. A dagger is tucked into a sash at his waist. Fine, delicate lines define his facial features and downcast eyes. The paper has irregular, torn edges and dark, mottled stains on the left.

Portrait of a blind man

c. 1750

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork