Who painted A young Persian girl.?

A young Persian girl. was painted by Unknown in 1850.

Where can I see A young Persian girl.?

A young Persian girl. is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

A young Persian girl.

A young Persian girl. is a paint painting by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This fragment of a wall painting, dating to circa 1850, portrays a young Persian individual.

About this work

Overview

This fragment of a wall painting, dating to circa 1850, portrays a young Persian individual. The surviving portion includes fragments of the original plaster, indicating that the work was originally executed directly on a wall surface. The figure is presented in a formal pose, wearing a tall, pointed headdress with gold embroidery and a richly patterned robe of deep reds and blues.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a youthful Persian woman, her expression solemn and her features defined by dark eyebrows and a pale complexion. The attire—a decorative hat, ornate necklace, and earrings—suggests a status of refinement, possibly indicating a ceremonial or courtly context within Persian society of the mid‑nineteenth century.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera or oil applied to plaster, the painting displays bold, saturated hues that have softened with age. Cracking and flaking of the pigment reveal extensive handling over time. The decorative motifs on the robe and headdress reflect Persian textile designs, while the overall composition follows a conventional portrait format common in wall decorations of the period.

History & Provenance

Created around 1850, the work was originally part of a larger wall scheme, of which only this segment survives. The fragment retains portions of its original plaster, indicating it was removed from its architectural setting at a later date. It entered the museum collection through acquisition in the early twentieth century, though the precise chain of ownership remains partially undocumented.

Context

Mid‑nineteenth‑century Persia saw a flourishing of courtly portraiture, often rendered on walls of palaces and elite residences. The use of luxurious fabrics and gold embroidery in the depiction aligns with contemporary aesthetic preferences that emphasized wealth and cultural refinement. This fragment provides a rare visual record of personal attire and decorative art practices of that era.