Iranian History Naser al Din Shah Qajar Portrait by Lagriffe Paris Circa 1870s

NASER AL-DIN SHAH QAJAR

Photograph

Lagriffe, Naser al Din Shah Qajar, circa 1870s, portrays the ruler of Persia during a reign closely associated with the early development of photography at the Qajar court and expanding diplomatic contact with Europe. Naser al Din Shah ruled from 1848 to 1896, developed a sustained personal interest in photography, and traveled to Europe three times, in 1873, 1878, and 1889; all three journeys included France, making Paris an important setting for the circulation of his royal image.

Original nineteenth century carte de visite photograph by Lagriffe, Paris, circa 1870s, depicting Naser al Din Shah Qajar. Standard CDV format, approximately 10 cm x 6.5 cm. The small mounted portrait format made photographic likenesses readily portable and collectible during the nineteenth century, and portraits of visiting monarchs circulated alongside those of European political and cultural figures.

Naser al Din Shah’s first European tour in 1873 placed the Qajar monarch directly within European diplomatic and court circles; during that visit he also met the Japanese ambassador in Paris. His subsequent journeys in 1878 and 1889 continued the Persian court’s direct engagement with European capitals and institutions. Very good condition. A Paris made photographic portrait connecting Naser al Din Shah’s royal image with the nineteenth century culture of photographic portraiture and his repeated diplomatic visits to Europe.

Item #14097

Price: $280.00