Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s Portrait of Muhammad Dervish Khan
Molloy Faculty Mentor
Rosa Berland
Presenter Major
Political Science
Presentation Type
Oral
Location
Hays Theater, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Start Date
1-5-2026 9:40 AM
End Date
1-5-2026 9:46 AM
Description (Abstract)
Developed under the mentorship of Professor Rosa Berland, my research emphasizes the diversity of stories told through art and reveals the unexamined stories of two outliers, a pioneering woman artist (Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun,1755-1842) and her subject, the Indian diplomat Muhammad Dervish Khan. My presentation will demonstrate how studying paintings like this transcend stylistic discourse and shed light on a chapter of Indian diplomatic history often obscured by colonialism. Moving beyond tropes of exoticism and curiosity Vigée Le Brun’s image not only serves as a testament to her talent but also brings to light a side of Indian diplomacy and culture not documented in historical texts and or the study of European history. The presentation will closely examine the dialogue between these two figures (artist and subject) thereby expanding the scope of western art history (as an example of how student research can diversify and expand the curriculum).
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Study
Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s Portrait of Muhammad Dervish Khan
Hays Theater, Wilbur Arts Building, Molloy University
Developed under the mentorship of Professor Rosa Berland, my research emphasizes the diversity of stories told through art and reveals the unexamined stories of two outliers, a pioneering woman artist (Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun,1755-1842) and her subject, the Indian diplomat Muhammad Dervish Khan. My presentation will demonstrate how studying paintings like this transcend stylistic discourse and shed light on a chapter of Indian diplomatic history often obscured by colonialism. Moving beyond tropes of exoticism and curiosity Vigée Le Brun’s image not only serves as a testament to her talent but also brings to light a side of Indian diplomacy and culture not documented in historical texts and or the study of European history. The presentation will closely examine the dialogue between these two figures (artist and subject) thereby expanding the scope of western art history (as an example of how student research can diversify and expand the curriculum).
