Mirror Case Depicting the Meeting of Nasir al-Din Mirza and Tsar Nicholas I in Erivan and Satin Pouch 1829 - 1879

This is a mirror case with a satin pouch, created by Muhammad Isma'il Isfahani, who lived between 1789 and 1917. The case depicts the meeting of Nasir al-Din Mirza and Tsar Nicholas I in Erivan. The artwork captures a pivotal moment in the complex political landscape of 19th-century Persia, reflecting the intersection of Persian and Russian imperial ambitions. We see a formal meeting, yet the vivid depiction of the city and encampment hints at the broader social context and the artist’s own position within it. How might Isfahani, as a court painter, have navigated the delicate balance between documenting and subtly commenting on such encounters? The mirror itself invites reflection on identity and power, both for those depicted and for the artwork’s viewers across time. The inclusion of a satin pouch suggests not just utility but also the preciousness of self-regard and representation in a world shaped by political spectacle. This piece speaks to the enduring human desire to see oneself reflected, especially against the backdrop of historical change and cultural exchange.