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Mirza Abu'l Hassan Khan (b.1776), Ambassador for the Shah of Persia

Image credit: Compton Verney

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Mirza Abu'l Hassan Khan (1776–1845) was sent to the court of King George III in 1809 by the Shah of Persia (Iran), to help negotiate a treaty between Great Britain and Persia. He became a figure of fascination, and many parties were held in his honour. William Beechey was known as one of the foremost portrait painters of his day and painted two recorded portraits of this sitter. In his diplomatic diary Abu'l Hassan describes visiting Beechey's house in Harley Street, London, and his joy at meeting his children. On arrival back in Persia in 1811, he was given the honorary title of Khan, in recognition of the role he had played in the treaty negotiations. The East India company commissioned Beechy to paint a full length portrait of Abu‘l Hassan Khan, now reported to be hanging in a private office of the Ministry of Defense.

Compton Verney

Compton Verney

Title

Mirza Abu'l Hassan Khan (b.1776), Ambassador for the Shah of Persia

Date

1809–1810

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 144.2 x W 137.8 cm

Accession number

CVCSC : 0358.B

Acquisition method

purchased, 2006

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

Compton Verney

Compton Verney, Warwickshire CV35 9HZ England

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