Artwork
Man Holding a Bottle and a Cup
Man Holding a Bottle and a Cup is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting presents a solitary male figure, depicted in traditional dress.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s catalogue, the composition centers on these objects, which serve as the primary visual elements.
The 1599 painting, attributed to an anonymous artist, portrays a solitary figure grasping a bottle in one hand and a cup in the other. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s catalogue, the composition centers on these objects, which serve as the primary visual elements. The iconography consists of the bottle and cup, items traditionally associated with themes of hospitality, exchange, or material abundance, though the source documentation does not elaborate on any specific symbolic interpretation.
The work is recorded as part of the Met’s collection, reflecting its provenance from Iran and its status as a distinct painting from the late 16th‑century Persian artistic milieu.
History & Provenance
The painting is dated to 1599 and was created in Iran. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains. The work is attributed to an anonymous painter, and no specific commission or prior ownership history is recorded in the available sources.
The painting has been part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is catalogued as a work by an anonymous painter, dated 1599, and was produced in Iran. The sources confirm its location within the Metropolitan Museum of Art's holdings but do not provide a specific accession number or details of any exhibition history.
Overview
This painting presents a solitary male figure, depicted in traditional dress. He holds a bottle in one hand and a cup in the other, his gaze directed towards the left with a neutral expression. His attire includes a striking red robe, a dark cape draped over his shoulders, and a brown turban.
The figure dominates the canvas, set against a subdued, earthy background that allows his vibrant clothing to stand out.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a straightforward yet refined compositional approach, placing the man centrally to emphasize his presence. The deliberate use of vivid colors for the figure's clothing, particularly the red robe, creates a visual focal point against the muted background. This contrast, combined with the careful arrangement of elements, contributes to a sense of depth and dimension, guiding the viewer's attention to the man's face and the items he holds.
Artist & collection
