Created around 1556 in the Mughal Court (India / Afghanistan) before being moved to the United Kingdom in the late 1700s by British officials. It was sold at auction in 1972 to Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and relocated to Switzerland. In October 2025, the painting returned to the United Kingdom for a historic Christie's auction, after which it was permanently transferred to its current home at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada.
Dust Muhammad’s Portrait of Shah Abu’l-Ma‘ali is an unusual early Mughal portrait. The subject of the work is depicted in an unexpected posture while writing on a vast sheet of paper, which lies on a wooden board. The painter managed to create a strong impression of movement, which is rare for this genre of painting. The linearity of the figure is noteworthy, as it tumbles in a sinuous line from the top of his head down over his shoulder and almost reaches the bottom edge of the frame. The accurate rendering of the body, clothing, and facial features reflects the author’s mastery. The character is dressed in a bright yellow outer garment arranged to fall over the ground behind and around him. The folds of this garment reveal the bright blue robe beneath, and around the figure’s neck, there is a striped garment visible. The contrast between the yellow and blue colors, and the paleness of the face and hands, makes the overall color scheme of the painting bright. The character also wears a taj-i izzat, the “crown of honor,” which is part of the emblems of the Emperor Humayun’s entourage. A white flower is tucked into the folds of the character’s turban. The figure’s garments receive meticulous attention. The painter uses lines to indicate the fabric’s folds and wrinkles, creating shadows with precision. Particular attention is paid to the character’s down-turned head and intense look, which convey his train of thought. The writing on the paper adds a new meaning to the portrait, as different interpretations of these words may alter the perception of the painting itself. This work’s unique visual language and its boldness in the use of color and line presentation are key features that reflect Humayun’s courtly environment and the Mughal painting of the mid-16th century.
The Portrait of Shah Abu'l Ma‘ali (c. 1556) is a masterpiece by Persian artist Dust Muhammad, housed in the Aga Khan Collection. Painted using ink and gouache on paper, it captures the early transition from classical Persian miniature to the Mughal imperial style.
