Mirza Baba is stated to have been active between the 1780s and 1810s, which includes him as part of the roughly estimated first generation of Qajar painters. He was also known as an independent chief court painter, the naqqash-bashi and possibly even the first one of the Qajar courts, likely leading many painters from the royal workshop. His most well-known works are oil paintings, manuscript illuminations; watercolour works such as miniatures, ornaments such as penboxes and royal portraits such as this of Abbas Mirza. The prince had been particularly interested in multiple forms of printmaking during the 1820s, decades before this painting's ascribed year of creation, which could suggest a growing interest in portraiture or perhaps that this painting was a method of demonstrating Abbas Mirza's position as a Qajar royal and his connection to the dynasty.
With a light blue robe and a thick belt holding a silver dagger, Mirza is presented with a proud but relaxed stature, demonstrating a portrait of a just ruler before a fierce warrior as other royal portraits, such as that of Fath 'Ali Shah, may do during the various cycles of his own portraits. The colours are particularly interesting as the pre-Qajar Safavid period had notably used blues to indicate piety, and paired it often with golds, similar to this portrait's warm tones, for colour harmony and embellishment.
Mirza Baba’s portrait of Abbas Mirza presents the prince with dignity and calm authority. The painting reflects the early Qajar style through its rich colours, delicate detailing and royal elegance. Abbas Mirza is shown standing confidently in a light blue robe with a silver dagger tucked into his belt, symbolising both nobility and strength. Unlike dramatic royal battle portraits, this work focuses more on grace and controlled power. The use of blue and golden tones is significant because such colours were often associated with piety, harmony and royal splendour in earlier Persian art traditions. The portrait also highlights the growing importance of portrait painting during the Qajar period. Overall, the painting combines political symbolism with refined artistic beauty, presenting Abbas Mirza as a cultured and just ruler.
