AlbumsMughal16th-17th century

Satirical Portrait of Four Ascetics

c. 1600

Description

Four ascetics of various ages are gathered around a tree in this drawing. Two accomplished yogis occupy the center of the composition, a bearded man with lengthy toenails and fingernails in deep concentration, and a younger man with elegant drapery who delicately fingers his prayer beads. They are attended by younger disciples with shaved heads that may indicate recent vows of renunciation. The acolytes' swollen, breath-filled bellies suggest the practice of yoga.

Classification

Albums

Medium

Gray-black ink , watercolor and gold over traces of charcoal on off-white paper

Culture

Mughal

Period

Mughal period

Century

16th-17th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

21.7 x 20.2 cm (8 9/16 x 7 15/16 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1983.

Related Artworks

Albums

Folio 39 from an Album of Drawings and Paintings: Three sheets: women delousing children; women with European man; women with nursing child (recto); Fingernail drawing: child in classical garb (verso)

Unknown Artist, 19th century

Top: red ink over graphite on off-white wove paper (recto); Top: black ink; Middle: red ink over graphite on off-white wove paper; Bottom: red ink over graphite on off-white wove paper (verso)

19th centuryPersian