The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of December 19, 2025
Sultan Ibrahim ibn Adham of Balkh Visited by Angels
c. 1740
Page: 24.2 x 32.8 cm (9 1/2 x 12 15/16 in.); Miniature: 17.2 x 25.7 cm (6 3/4 x 10 1/8 in.)
Location: Not on view
Did You Know?
Two of the angels bring bottles of wine.Description
Sultan Ibrahim ibn Adham was the King of Balkh in present-day Afghanistan, born around 730, but later abdicated his throne to take up ascetic life in Syria. Sufi legends claim that Ibrahim in the wilderness was fed by angels. In the painting, Ibrahim can be seen in a cave and meditating under a tree, while five angles appear in front of him.- {{cite web|title=Sultan Ibrahim ibn Adham of Balkh Visited by Angels|url=false|author=|year=c. 1740|access-date=19 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2018.160