Cleveland Museum of Art

Youth Seated by a Willow; Single Page Illustration

Muhammad Yusuf

Date

c. 1600–1650

Medium

ink, gold, and colors on paper

Culture

Iran, Isfahan, Safavid period (1501-1722)

Department

Islamic Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

A new aesthetic developed under the socially and economically conscious Shah ’Abbas I (reigned 1587–1629). Single polychrome paintings of elegantly clad youth were produced in considerable number during the 1600s, primarily for people with means who collected them and had them mounted in albums. Instead of functioning as portraits, the images of these courtly figures express ideals of youth and beauty. This young man’s lavish sash and turban enriched with costly gold thread proclaim his high status.

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