A prince conquering the Russian army, Persia, Qajar, early 19th century

oil on canvas, framed, label on stretcher with crest of Douglas Craven Phillott

Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Craven Phillott PhD, F.A.S.B (1860-1930), circa 1903.
Gifted to Felsted School, Essex, circa 1930.
Private Collection, UK.

Re-lined the edges with some wear and craquelure, with minor associated overpainting, some re-varnishing to surface, old frame and label, minor knicks to frame, colours generally strong, as viewed.
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This painting, which depicts the Qajar army defeating the Russian army, is only a fanciful rendition of an event which did in fact take place, but during which the Qajar army was in fact defeated. It was Fath Ali Shah (r.1797–1834) who launched war against the Russians in order to expand his territories but which instead cost them the annexation of Georgia and part of the Caucasus region. It can be inferred that the figure represented here is Fath Ali Shah, depicted in the act of slicing through his enemy whilst the rest of the Russian army runs away from the incoming Qajars. Most probably painted with propagandists intentions, this painting would have held multiple purposes.

Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Craven Phillott served as Consul in Persia between 1901 and 1903, and it is most likely during this time that it was gifted to him by the court, or even the Shah himself, as a symbol of his gratitude for Phillott’s contributions and scholarly work. Having served in the army, as Consul in Persia, part of the India office, and Cairo; Colonel Phillott’s travels enhanced his knowledge and personal interest in linguistics, translating many works, as well as contributing scholarly articles and language guides.