"JAFAR"
©️ Disney 2025
©️ Disney 2025
Oil on linen-wrapped panel | 24 × 20 in. (61 × 51 cm)
Part of a "Villains" series (ongoing)
Jafar's introduction scene in Aladdin inspired the setting of this portrait. Strong backlighting—a technique called contre-jour, meaning "having the sun or other light source behind a subject"—is not only interesting to paint but also suits Jafar's character. Here, we see Jafar dwelling in shadow, the light behind him giving off an almost oppressive air. I found this to be an apt way of depicting Jafar's deceitful and sinister character; he is the Grand Vizier to the Sultan, yet his true intentions are geared towards his own hunger for power. Casting Jafar in shadow reflects how Jafar hides his true intentions.
About posing—I wanted to be careful with Jafar and Iago's expressions, to be more subtle with them. Iago simply imitates the prideful demeanor of his master. I thought it would be funny to pose him that way. A hint of a smirk and a lower placement of the "camera" help Jafar give off a smug, condescending tone, as if he's plotting something—perhaps something about you.
~ 2.5 in. × 3.5 in. Color Study (also called a "Thumbnail" or "Poster Study") for Jafar
