Portrait of Prince Nasir al-Din Mirza

Art Historical Context

This exquisite *Portrait of Prince Nasir al-Din Mirza* by Aqa Buzurg Shirazi, created in the 1840s, captures the young Qajar prince—who would later ascend as Nasir al-Din Shah (r. 1848–1896)—in a moment of poised elegance. Rendered in watercolor on paper (13½ × 9 in.), it exemplifies the refined Persian miniature tradition adapted during Iran's Qajar dynasty (1789–1925), housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art department as part of a codex or album folio. Aqa Buzurg Shirazi, a skilled court painter from Shiraz, employs the era's hallmark realism: intricate facial details, luminous skin tones, and opulent attire adorned with jewels and floral motifs. Qajar portraits like this served diplomatic and commemorative purposes, blending Persian iconography with emerging European influences, foreshadowing photography's impact on royal imagery. The prince's direct gaze and regal posture convey authority and youth, reflecting the dynasty's cultural patronage of the arts amid political turbulence. As a gift honoring scholars Richard and Elisabeth Ettinghausen, this work highlights the Met's commitment to Persian treasures. Visitors will appreciate its vibrant palette and intimate scale, inviting a closer look at Qajar splendor. (198 words)