A folio from a Mir'at al-quds, a Persian life of Christ, made for the Mughal court at Allahabad between 1602 and 1604. It shows Jesus seated under a lamp while a painter, sent by King Abgar of Edessa to obtain a portrait as a cure for his illness, kneels attempting to paint him. Jesus instead presses his face to cloth, producing the image that became known as the Mandylion. Abgar himself is named in the story but does not appear in the scene. Held today by the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Facts
Physical Form
MediumGum tempera, ink, color and gold on paper, Mughal India, 1602 to 1604, Cleveland Museum of Art 1 Classification
Object TypeManuscript Illumination 1 Medium (class) Connections
Belongs to Tradition
Source Mir'at al-quds Folio 143, Cleveland Museum of Art (1602-4)
Depicts
Abgar of Edessa, Figures The museum's own description names King Abgar of Edessa as the one who sent the artist shown kneeling before Jesus, but confirms Abgar himself does not appear in the composition, so this is his story engaged rather than his likeness shown.
Source Mir'at al-quds Folio 143, Cleveland Museum of Art (1602-4)
Originated In
India, Regions Source Cleveland Museum of Art Open Access API: Cleveland Museum of Art object record 2005.145.143.a
Sources
1. Mir'at al-quds Folio 143, Cleveland Museum of Art (1602-4)
Cleveland Museum of Art- Cleveland Museum of Art 2005.145.143.a
catalogue record, medium/object-type description
A folio from a Mir'at al-quds, a Persian life of Christ, made for the Mughal court at Allahabad between 1602 and 1604.
View the Source Cleveland Museum of Art Open Access API: Cleveland Museum of Art object record 2005.145.143.a
Cleveland Museum of Art Open Access APIOriginated In: India, cultureQuote, Originated In: India, culture
"Mughal India, Allahabad, made for Prince Salim (1569-1627)"
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.