Some portraits are beautiful but they can also be misleading-- the inscription on this 17th-century image (mis)identifies the sitter as Maulvi Rumi, the poet. It is, in fact, the portrait of Mulla Shah Badakhshi, a Qadiri Sufi. He was very close to Mian Mir, and was one of Dara Shukoh and Jahan Ara's spiritual guides. He was quite influential and has been depicted in several Mughal paintings. We see the Sufi on a cushion, with a book at his feet and a leaning staff cast off to one side. the background has nothing but a series of dotted lines. The face, the outfit, the turban, and most importantly, the beard are extremely skillfully depicted, making this a breathtaking painting. There is a soft quality to the gaze, a hint of a smile and serenity around the figure. The Sufi was evidently quite accomplished in his practice, and very easy on the eyes.