Description:

A FULL-LENGTH EUROPEAN PORTRAIT OF NASIR AL-DIN SHAH QAJAR, PROBABLY FRENCH, CIRCA 1870
Probably France, circa 1870

Description:
Oil on canvas, depicting Nasir al-Din Shah Qajar (r. 1848–1896) in a full-length pose, executed in the European academic tradition, likely by a French artist. The Shah is shown standing regally before a rich crimson curtain, wearing an opulently embroidered blue uniform adorned with medals, sashes, and a fur-lined cloak. On his head is the elaborate Qajar imperial crown, bejewelled with pearls and emeralds, rising tall in the traditional form of the dynasty.

In his left hand, he grips a long ceremonial sword, while his right hand holds a scroll resting on an adjacent table covered with a floral vase, a crown, and woven textiles—elements that underscore his royal legitimacy. The work reflects the Qajar interest in European portraiture conventions, especially those used in diplomatic or formal state imagery.

Comparable examples:

  • A life-size oil painting of Nasir al-Din Shah in full regalia sold at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 1 May 2019, Lot 175, for £20,000.

  • A full-length Qajar portrait with European influence achieved £18,750 at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 29 March 2022, Lot 162.

  • A large Franco-Persian royal portrait in similar ceremonial setting sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 26 October 2017, Lot 182, for £16,250.

Note:
Such full-length portraits were often commissioned to assert dynastic prestige, combining European realism with Persian iconography. This example, painted during or shortly after the Shah’s European tours, embodies his desire to present himself as a modern, worldly monarch while maintaining unmistakable Persian sovereignty.

 


Length x Width: 115 x 74cm

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
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