Portret van Fath-Ali Shah Qajar 1807

Louis Charles Ruotte made this portrait of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar, Emperor of Persia, as an engraving. The image operates as a form of cultural exchange, translating Persian power for a European audience. The portrait deploys visual codes of royalty familiar to European viewers, such as the ornate crown, throne, and luxurious garments, while also emphasizing the unique aspects of the Qajar dynasty through the Shah’s long beard. The inclusion of the Lion and Sun symbol grounds the portrait in its specific time and place. This emblem served as a national symbol of Persia under the Qajar dynasty, representing a blend of Islamic, Persian, and ancient traditions. To fully understand this portrait, historians would research not only European printmaking traditions but also Persian history, Qajar court culture, and the dynamics of cross-cultural representation. The meaning of this portrait lies in its complex social and institutional context.