ARTIST:

[Both paintings were formerly attributed to Johan Zoffany. No further information at this time.]

SUBJECTS:

In each of the two portraits a young boy is the subject. They are dressed exactly alike in long robes; heavy gilt braid bars form the closing across the chest. The boys wear identical white turbans, and pointed Turkish slippers. Each is posed against a table dressed with a floor-length, gilt-fringed cover.

In the portrait labeled “Mustapha,” a dog on his hind legs pleads for attention from the Princeling. In the pendant portrait, the younger-looking Charles Wise holds the leash of a dog sitting on a cushion. His stance is somewhat challenging, and his left hand rests on his hip.

Both portraits are part of the original Ringling bequest of 1936.

ringlingdocents.org