Portrait of a Marabout on a Blue Background

1960s–1980s

Not on view

This portrait of a yet unknown marabout, or religious teacher, is a later example of the devotional glass painting tradition that developed in Senegal in the first decades of the 20th century. The color nuances of the personage’s skin and the brush strokes of his beard are features that do not seem to appear in earlier suwers (or souweres, Wolof for reverse glass painting) destined for the Senegalese market for devotional objects.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Provenance

References

Title: Portrait of a Marabout on a Blue Background
Date: 1960s–1980s
Geography: Made in Senegal
Medium: Paint on glass
Dimensions: H. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
W. 13 3/16 in. (33.5 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Islamic Art Gifts, 2025
Object Number: N.A.2025.3
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Portrait of Ahmad al-Tijani, Paint on glass — Portrait of Ahmad al-Tijani
1940s–1960s

Portrait of a Marabout with Decorations, Paint on glass — Portrait of a Marabout with Decorations
possibly 1940s–1960s

Portrait of El-Hajj Malik Sy with Umbrella, Paint on glass — Portrait of El-Hajj Malik Sy with Umbrella
1940s–1960s

Portrait of Mandione Laye and his Phaeton, Paint on glass — Portrait of Mandione Laye and his Phaeton
1950s–1960s

Two Reverse Glass Paintings: Abdallah and al-Yamina on a Horse; Two Horsemen, Painted on glass — Two Reverse Glass Paintings: Abdallah and al-Yamina on a Horse; Two Horsemen
possibly 1950s–60s

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