A Maiden Reclines, drawing by Aqa Riza (recto); calligraphy by Ahmad al-Husayni (verso)

Artists

Description

This drawing shows a reclining woman with only her lower torso covered with her clothes. Her arms are crossed above her head and a head scarf floats loosely above her breasts. Her long hair can be seen through as well. S.C. Welch attributes the drawing to Aqa Riza’s work in the late 16th century. He suggests that it was made after an Italian print of Marcantonio Raimondi. The nasta’liq calligraphy on the other side of the album page is signed by Ahmad al-Husayni and was most likely illuminated by him based on his name. The margins on both sides are decorated with floral stencils.

Dimensions

34 x 23.7 cm (13 3/8 x 9 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Kevorkian. Stuart Cary Welch, Jr., Warner, New Hampshire (by April 1, 1969-2008), by inheritance; to Edith I. Welch, Warner, New Hampshire (2008-2011), gift; to Harvard Art Museums 2011.