The above is a pencil sketch portrait of Qajar ruler Naser Al Din Shah made by Mirza Ali Akbar, a well-known painter, portraitist, educator and photographer of the late Qajar era Iran, known by his title 'Mozayyan ed Dowleh'. Mirza Ali Akbar, a reputed graduate of the Ecole Des Beaux Arts academy in Paris, which still stands today with reputation, he played a major role in promotion and expansion of the art of photography after his return from France in 1867. This was the period when the tradition of 'Muraqqa' or albums of painted folios and images was in decline. Though photography had already been Introduction during the reign of Muhammad Shah (Naser Al Din Shah's father), it gained more prominence and developed techniques during this time period under the patronage of Naser Al Din Shah. Apart from photography, Ali Akbar also played an important role in forwarding and developing a school of expertized painters in easel painting during his years at Dar ol Funon, the most prestigious art academy set up by Naser Al Din Shah, serving as its principle painting instructor. Ali Akbar was among the few students who had been sent during the early years of Naser Al Din Shah's reign to learn techniques of art to France. With his return to Iran, Ali Akbar brought with him the realist style, which now were more evident in his artworks, along with realistic pencil sketching. The above pencil portrait is one of those famous examples. This famous portrait of Naser Al Din Shah now lies in the Abyaz Palace of the Golestan Palace complex at Tehran in Iran, now a world renowned UNESCO site.
I think the mastery of pencil sketching is an excellent feature and to make portrait of such level the artisy clearly specified his devotion towards Naser Al Din Shah. His legacy is carried when he gave artists the place they deserve which really contributes to the art and carrying it forward for further generations.
