Nakd ‘Ali Beg, Envoy from Persia, 1626 (oil on canvas)

Nakd ‘Ali Beg, Envoy from Persia. A full-length standing figure, in turban and long gown of light-coloured material, reaching to the feet. Over this is a flowing mantle of Isphahan brocade of a darker colour, woven with figures. The hands hold the sash loosely. Nakd ‘Ali Beg arrived in England in February 1626 as ambassador from Shah ‘Abbas of Persia. Sir Robert Shirley was then in this country claiming to have been sent on a similar errand, and a violent quarrel ensued between the rival envoys. By order of King Charles I, they were both taken back to the East in the East India Company’s fleet of 1627, accompanied by Sir Dodmore Cotton, who was accredited as English ambassador to the Shah. Nakd ‘Ali Beg poisoned himself just before the ships reached the coast of India, and his body was buried at Surat.