Sir David Wilkie

His Highness Muhemed Ali, Pacha of Egypt

1841

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In Tate Britain

Walk Through British Art: 1840

Free entry

Artist: Sir David Wilkie 1785–1841
Medium: Oil paint on board
Dimensions: Support: 610 x 508 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Bequeathed by the Earl of Effingham 1927
Reference: N04276

Display caption

This is a portrait of the Albanian Khedive (ruler) of Egypt, Muhammad Ali (1769–1849). He was a commander in the Ottoman army and had seized power after a civil war. Muhammad Ali oversaw dramatic reforms of Egyptian military, economy and culture. He commissioned this work from Wilkie. Here, he presents himself in traditional Islamic dress but sitting in a European chair and wearing a fez rather than the traditional turban. Wilkie met Muhammad Ali in Egypt on his return journey from travels in the Middle East. This was Wilkie’s last painting, he fell ill and died on his journey back to Britain.

Gallery label, August 2018

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