The creator of the artwork, Abu'l-Hasan Mostawfi Ghaffari, painter and historian from Iran in the 18th Century, was a descendent of the renowned Ghaffari family in Kashan who produced many notable artists in addition to having a lengthy history of serving the government. He was also the great-uncle of Abu'l-Hasan Sani al-Mulk, who served as court painter in Muhammad Shah Qajar's court and then earned the title of Naqqashbashi (chief court painter) under Naser al-Din Shah. Besides several European style paintings, which had been a trending subject for Iranian artists since the late Safavid era, Abu'l-Hasan Mostawfi Ghaffari was known to be the author of the Golshan-e Morad, a book on the history of the Zand dynasty. Under Karīm Khan Zand, Abu’l-Ḥasan was the governor of Kashan, Qom, Naṭanz and Jowseqan for more than thirty years. Later he became Karīm Khan’s secretary and compiled a biography of his reign titled Golshan-e Morad. The voluminous Golshan-e Morad is sufficiently detailed and considered one of the most reliable sources of information on the Zand legacy. As a talented portraitist, Abu'l-Hasan Mostawfi Ghaffari signed his works as “al-Mostawfi”. The given composition by him is the portrait of Mirza Jahanshah, the sultan of Qara Qoyunlu.
The dexterity of the artist is proven not only by the extensively detailed human figure, but also the background he sits against. The titled wall behind the figure is highly detailed, right from the mosaic to the Persian couplet etched on the titles. The finely painted birds on rectangular tiles are also notable. Even the pattern of the flooring is painted thoughtfully. The human figure sits beside a small pile of books, probably hinting at the figure's patronage for literature or religious texts. Interestingly inclusion of these objects isn't common in portraiture, as the sole focus of the painting usually becomes just the human figure.
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By: Shalki Gupte
The artist of this work, Abu'l-Hasan Mostawfi Ghaffari, was an 18 th century Iranian painter and historian. He was a descendant of the famous Ghaffari family of Kashan. This family not only provided many accomplished artists but also have a long history of working with the government. He was also the great uncle of Abu'l-Hasan Sani al-Mulk who became the court painter in the court of Muhammad Shah Qajar and later took the title of Naqqashbashi (Chief Court Painter) in the court of Naser al-Din Shah. Abu'l-Hasan Mostawfi Ghaffari is known to have created various European style paintings, a popular topic among Iranian artists since the late Safavid period. However, he was also known to have written a book titled Golshan-e Morad which documents the history of the Zand dynasty. Abu’l-Ḥasan was the governor of Kashan, Qom, Naṭanz and Jowseqan under Karīm Khan Zand for over thirty years. He then became Karīm Khan's secretary and wrote a biography about his rule, titled Golshan-e Morad. This long book provides detailed information and is one of the most reliable sources for information regarding the Zand legacy. Abu'l-Hasan Mostawfi Ghaffari was an accomplished portrait artist and signed his works with "al-Mostawfi".
