Portrait of a Youth Holding a Sword
Unknown Artist
early 17th century
Medium
Opaque watercolor and gilt paint on paper
Dimensions
H. 6 3/4 in. (171 cm) W. 3 1/16 in. (7.8 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of George D. Pratt, 1935
Accession Number
50.118
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate *Portrait of a Youth Holding Sword*, created by an unknown artist in the early th century, exemplifies the miniature painting tradition of Islamic art. Rendered in opaque watercolor and gilt paint on paper, the work measures just 6 3/4 by 3 1/16 inches, a compact format ideal for albums or codices—manuscripts prized for their portability and intimate viewing. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Art department (Bequest of George D. Pratt, 1935), it captures a poised youth, sword in hand, evoking themes of nobility, valor, and youthful vigor common in Persian and Mughal cour...