SIX LITHOGRAPHED COVER PORTRAITS COPIES OF QAJAR OFFICIALS IN THE PERSIAN JOURNAL "SHERAFAT"
Iran, 1896 - 1903, made by Mehdi Mussavver ul-Mulk

Comprising six black ink lithographs on paper, likely based on portrait photographs, including the portrait of Muzaffar ed-din Shah (r. 1896 - 1907) in military jacket and astrakhan hat with jewelled aigrette, and five other Qajar Iran officials in military and diplomatic garb displaying the king’s portrait miniature medals on their chests, symbolising their loyalty and support to the Qajar ruler, all wearing the traditional black astrakhan hats, one in European white tie devoid of decorations, possibly a Persian ambassador abroad, all inscribed Mussavver ul-Mulk.

Each 35.3cm x 22cm

The monthly journal "Sherafat" published a total of sixty-six (66) issues between 1896 - 1903. Edited by Mohammad Bagher Khan, a cabinet minister of Muzaffar ed-din Shah, it was well-known for its multitude of illustrations. The publication focused on biographies of foreign and Iranian statesmen, politicians and artists, and achieved remarkable influence on the art and painting of the period. Mirza Mehdi Khan Samsam Zulfaghari (also known as Mussavver ul-Mulk, AKA Mirza Mehdi Khan Naghash), painter, portraitist, printmaker of late Nasser ed-din Shah, Muzaffar ed-din Shah, and early Mohammad Ali Shah periods, was the creative artist in charge of Sherafat publications’ illustrations. He received his title, 'the Illustrator of the Land', from Muzaffar ed-din Shah in the sovereign’s first year of rule.

For an example of two complete Sherafat volumes, please see Sotheby's London, 13 May 2021, lot 123.