Mirza Ahmad Naqib al-Mamalik on a terrace with an attendant, Qajar Persia, dated 1855-56

Mirza Ahmad Naqib al-Mamalik on a terrace with an attendant
Qajar Persia, dated AH 1272/AD 1855-56
Gouache on paper, identifying inscription and indistinct artist's signature in nasta'liq script within cartouches at upper left, laid down on an album page with coloured borders
album page 335 x 243 mm.
The inscription reads: Portrait of Mirza Ahmad Naqib al-Mamalik at the age of 29, and the date AH 1272/AD 1855-56.
Mirza Ahmad Naqib al-Mamalik is recorded by Bamdad: Mirza Ahmad Shirazi (1822-84), titled Naqib al-Mamalik, with the pen-name Naqib, was a son of Darvish Hasan. He was one of the learned men of Shiraz and was known for his good memory. He was educated first in Shiraz, then moved to Tehran, and found his way to the court of Nasir al-Din Shah, who enjoyed his company for his witticism. See M. Bamdad, Dictionary of National Biography of Iran, 1700-1960, vol. 6, Tehran 1966, pp. 23-24, and illus.

The artist's signature, which is in the lower cartouches, is poorly written and indistinct, but possibly reads 'Ibrahim'.