Country of Origin- Tabriz, Iran, Qajar era, nineteenth century, as per the Arabic inscriptions on the portrait.
The above given painting is an artwork attributed to Abu'l Hasan Khān Ghaffārī , a renowned oil painter, miniature painter, book illustrator and lacquer artist of the Qajar era. Son of Mirza Muhammad Ghaffari, who was bestowed with the title 'Kamal ol Molk' (wonder of the age), he was the student of Mehr Ali, one of the finest court painters of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. During his apprenticeship, he gathered immense skills and in 1842, he painted an oil portrait of Mohammad Shah (Fath Ali's succesor) which secured him a position in his royal court.
In 1846, Abu'l Hasan was sent to Italy to learn about European painting styles. In 1850s, he returned to Iran. By then, Naser Al Din Shah had become the new ruler. In 1853, he played an important role in the making of the voluminous 'Hezār O Yak Šab', the Qajar era translation of 'One Thousand and One Nights'. With his excellence, Abu'l Hasan continued to rise high and in 1861 was bestowed with the title 'Sani ol Molk' by which he is commonly known. As per scholars like Layla Sharifi, Adham Zargham and Hoda Zabolinehzhad, with his return to Iran in 1850s, Sani ol Molk had also brought with him elements of European naturalism, mixing it with traditional Qajar style. This is visible in the portrait given among his other works.
The portrait above depicts Naser Al Din Shah seated on a European style chair. He wearing a green silk trouser with golden lines on sides, below which a white shoes probably of strained fabric. Above it he wears a silver white, patterned 'Qaba' (European style longoat) overcoated by a 'Kolijeh' (overvoat) patterned with red paisley or 'boteh' pattern. On the top, he wears a black 'Koleh' adorned by an aigrette feather bejeweled with diamonds(see the references of clothing in the third reference). The Shah is shown seated on clouds which add a surreal effect. On an overall, the Shah' portrayal shows a mix of European and Qajar styles.
Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari's A Portrait of Naser al-Din Shah presents the Qajar ruler as a symbol of royal authority, refinement, and divine legitimacy. Seated confidently on an elegant chair resting upon clouds, the Shah appears elevated above the ordinary world, suggesting heavenly sanction and absolute power. His richly embroidered robes, jewel-studded hat, and distinctive long moustache emphasize luxury, status, and individuality. The delicate detailing reflects the fusion of Persian artistic traditions with European portrait realism that characterized Qajar painting. The surrounding calligraphy enhances the painting's ceremonial quality, portraying the Shah not merely as a political leader but as an almost sacred and timeless sovereign.
