gouache heightened with gold on paper, framed

In good condition, minor stains and flaking, backed on paper, as viewed,
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription at the top identifies the subject as the Prophet Lot, who is mentioned both in the Old Testament and in several surahs of the Qur'an (see for example surah al-A'raf (VII), surah Hud (XI), surah al-Hijr (XV)). The nephew of Abraham, Lot was sent to Sodom and Gomorrah to warn its inhabitants about their sins and God's punishment. This portrait is numbered '9' at the top left and was likely part of a series depicting prophets. A portrait of the Prophet Isma'il, possibly from the same album, was in the collection of Karl and Elizabeth Katz, and later sold at Christie's New York, 5-12 December 2017, lot 57. Other portraits similar in style and attributed to the same period were sold at Sotheby's New York, 10 December 1981, lot 27; 30 June 1980 lot 46, and 14 December 1979, lot 66.