Portrait of Murtaza Kuli Khan, Brother of Agha Mohammad Khan, the Persian Shah by Vladimir Borovikovsky

Painting.
Origin: Russian Empire.
Date: 1796.
Style: Rococo.
Materials and Techniques: Oil on canvas.
Size: 189.5 x 284 cm.
Kept in Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow, Russia.
Sources: [1],[2],[3], [4].

مرتضی قلی خان قاجار، برادر آغا محمد خان قاجار که به روسیه فرار کرد و از عوامل برانگیزاننده لشگرکشی روسیه به ایران در زمان کاترین و به سرکردگی زبوف بوده

This painting has been created by Vladimir Lukich Borovikovsky (Russian: Владимир Лукич Боровиковский, Ukrainian: Володимир Лукич Боровиковський July 24 O.S. 1757 - April 6 O.S. 1825) who was a Russian painter of Ukrainian origin. He dominated Russian portraiture at the turn of the 19th century. 

Portrait of a Son of Fath Ali Shah Qajar

Painting
Origin: Qajar Dynasty, Persia.
Date: circa 1815.
Material and Technique: Oil on canvas.
Sold at Christie's auction.
Size: 69 x 43 cm.
Source: [1]

This painting is a bust portrait of a son of Fath Ali Shah, wearing a high Qajar crown and elaborately jeweled collar on his sleeves, with pendant just visible through the his long black beard.

A Prince of Persia

Painting.
Period: Mughal Empire, India.
Date: 18th-19th century.
Creation Place: India.
Material and Technique: Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper.
Size: 21.5 x 15 cm.
Kept in Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, USA.
Source: [1].

This painting shows a Persian prince in India. I am guessing that he is a member of Afsharid dynasty due to the form of his headgear.

A Large Portrait of a Qajar Prince - Possibly Abbas Mirza

Painting.
Era: Qajar Period, Persia.
Date: 1800s.
Material and Techniques: Oil on canvas.
Size: 172 by 81.5 cm.
Sold on Sotheby's auction.
Source: [1].

This large portrait is sold on Sotheby's. The work is attributed to Mihr Ali. It is possibly a portrait of Crown Prince Abbas Mirza. One interesting observation about such paintings in this period, is the narrow waist of royal subjects to the extent that they somewhat look feminine.

Ardashir Mirza and Solayman Khan Saham-Al-Doleh Review Their Troops

Painting
Era: Qajar Period, Persia
Date: 1850-1851 AD
Material and Technique: Gouache heightened with gold on paper
Sold at  Christie's Auction
Sources: [1], [2],[3]

اردشیر میرزا رکن الدوله قاجار در حال سان دیدن قشون

This painting is sold on Christie's auction. It portraits Ardashir Mirza reviewing his troops. Prince Ardashir Mirza Rukn al-Dawla (1805/1806-1866) was the ninth son of Crown Prince Abbas Mirza Qajar. He originally served some local governments on behalf of his father. After the death of Fath Ali Shah in 1834, and followed by the revolt of several princes, he became responsible for dealing with Prince Ismail Mirza in Khorasan Province. On his return after his successful campaign in Khorasan, he was appointed the governor of Gorgan and Esterabad for seven years. In 1857, he was given the title of Rukn al-Dawla and was sent to rule Azerbaijan.

During the reign of Naser al-Din Shah, he was appointed as governor of Luristan and Khuzestan in order to end some local disorder at the time. At the end, he became the governor of Mazandaran and Gilan. He was also a poet and his pen name was Agah e Qajar. His poems mostly have romantic themes.

Portrait of Hajji Mirza Aghasi Seated in a Chair

Painting
Era: Qajar Period, Persia
Date: 1840 (circa)
Materials and Techniques: Opaque watercolor on paper.
Dimensions: width: 16.5 cm. height: 23.5 cm
Kept in British Museum, London, UK
Source: [1]

This painting is a portrait of Hajji Mirza Aghasi seated in a chair, covered by a large cream cloak. He is placed before a cloudy sky and dark landscape. Hajji Mirza Aghasi is a controversial figure in Iranian history. He served as Prime Minister to Muhammad Shah from 1835-48. Despite civil unrest and threats of domination, Hajji Mirza Aghasi maintained his position until the end of Muhammad Shah's reign. His placement before a cloudy sky and dark landscape is typical of the mid-19th century.

Naser al-Din Shah Qajar in Military Uniform With His Army

Painting
Qajar Period, Persia (Iran)
Date: Possibly 19th century
Materials and Techniques: Possibly oil on canvas
Possibly Kept in Malek National Museum and Library, Tehran, Iran
Source: [1]

Photo: by Mr. Mohammad Ali Najib - Young {Iranian} Journalist Club

نگاره ناصر الدین شاه - کتابخانه ملک - تهران

This is clearly a painting of Nasser Al-din Shah Qajar, which seems to be located in Malek National Museum in Tehran. This library is one of the biggest libraries of precious manuscripts inside Iran. I didn't find it on the Malek's website, but there are few interesting items in their database. You can click on link 2 to see the Malek Museum's website. [2]

Portrait of a Zand Prince

Painting

Period: Zand Dynasty, Persia

Date: 1794
Materials and technique: Oil on canvas
Possibly kept in Negārestān Museum, Tehran, Iran.
Size: 142 × 68 cm.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

 نقاشی یک شاهزاده، احتمالا لطفعلی خان - دوره زند

This is a rare sample of a portrait of a Persian prince in Zand era by indication of his headgear. In few history textbook in Iran, the subject of this portrait has been considered to be Lotf Ali Khan Zand [3], the last Shah of this dynasty. Due to internal conflict in 18th century Persia, he was captured at war by his main enemy, the future Shah, Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. 

It is reported that Lotf Ali Khan was blinded after being raped publicly by royal grooms. He was castrated in revenge by Agha Mohammad Khan. Lotf Ali Khan was imprisoned and tortured in Tehran for nearly three years before being choked to death.

2/24/2013: I finally found more information on this painting from an article about clothing in Safavid to Qajar Persia in Iranica: [3]. I will fix the post. 

Crown Prince Naser al-Din Mirza

Painting
Qajar period, Persia
Date: late 19th century
Materials and technique: oil on canvas.
Size: 110 x 83 cm.
Kept in Golestan Palace, Tehran, Iran.
Sources: [1],[2],[3]

ناصرالدین میرزای ولیعهد - اثر کمال الملک

This is a funny looking portrait of the Crown Prince Naser al-Din Mirza, who became one of the long serving rulers of Iran. He nearly ruled Iran for 50 years. The creator of this work is Kamal-ol-molk. Based on Kamal-ol-molk's age, this work has been created after the prince was already a king, and is perhaps based on the previous work of some other painter.

Karim Khan Zand on Horseback

Painting
Zand Period, Persia.
Date: late 18th century.
Materials and technique: gouache heightened with gold on paper.
Size: 28.2 cm x 23 cm.
Sold at Sotheby's auction.
Source: [1]

تصویر کریم خان زند سوار بر اسب - حراجی ساتبی

Again, this work is attributed to Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari Mostafawi Kashani who was the great uncle of another famous painter called Sani' al-Molk. [2] This painting depicts Karim Khan Zand holding a bow in his right hand while riding a horse. Based on this painting, my assumption is that the Zand ruler was left handed. Also, it is interesting that the bow and arrow were still used in Persia in the late 18th century. To learn more about the art of Zand Era click here. [3]

Karim Khan Zand With His Horse

Painting & illustration
Zand Period, Persia.
Date: 1794.
Materials and technique: gouache heightened with gold on paper.
Size: 20.3 cm x 29 cm.
Sold at Christie's auction.
Source: [1]

تصویر کریم خان زند و اسبش - حراجی کریستی

This is another rare sample of art work in Zand Era, which shows the Persian monarch Karim Khan Zand wearing a turban and jewelled aigrette pictured in Isfahan in front of Ali Qapu Palace. He ruled Iran from 1750 to 1779 and is considered to be among the most generous Persian kings. He never styled himself as king. Instead, he used the title Vakil e-Ra'aayaa (Representative of the People). A young groom is also seen in the illustration washing the tail of a grey horse.  There is also one strange thing about this painting. It is mentioned that it was inscribed in the hand of Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari. After much research I realized that they are two Persian artists named Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari, who were related as matter of fact. [2] The younger and more famous one who is called Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari II or titled Sani’ al-Molk lived in Qajar period. He was a great nephew of the older painter. This painting was apparently created by the older Abu'l Hasan Ghaffari. [3]

The Ambassador Husain Ali Beig

Drawing
Date: early 17th century
Source: [1]

تصویر حسینعلی بیگ - سفیر صفوی در اروپا

According to Wikipedia, this is a portrait of the ambassador Husain Ali Beig who was sent by Shah Abbas I of Safavid dynasty to ask for the European assistance in the war against Ottomans.

Cuchein Ollibeag

Copper engraving
Date: early 17th century
Sources: [1],[2]

تصویر حسینعلی بیگ - یکی‌ از فرستادگان صفوی به اروپا

This is a portrait of Hossein Ali Beig (written as Cuchein Ollibeag in the engraved work) who was one of the Persian envoys sent to Europe by the Safavids. Here he is seen at the court of the Holly Roman Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. If his name is written correctly in the portrait, he is then the ambassador himself. However I am not too convinced that this portrait belongs to the ambassador as he looks different in another portrait. [3] The text in Persian does not mention any ambassadorial status either. 

Mechti Kuli Beg

Drawing
Date: 17th century
Size: 15.5 x 10.7 cm
Sold at Christie's auction.
Sources: [1], [2]

تصویر مهدی قلی بیگ یکی‌ از فرستادگان صفوی به اروپا

This portrait was created at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, which is another portrait of Mehdi Qoli Beig who was a member of the the Persian embassy to Europe (1599–1602).
They were dispatched by Shah Abbas I in 1599 to obtain an alliance against the Ottoman Empire. The Persians had then been at war with the Ottoman Empire for more than a century, so they decided to try to obtain European help against the Ottomans. You can also click on this link [3] to see his other portrait, which is very similar.

In a twist, few members of the embassy abjured the Muslim faith and adopted Catholicism instead. Already three members of the Persian retinue had done so in Rome. Then three of the ambassador's secretaries did so while in Spain, including Mehdi Quli Beg, who received Philip III as Godfather, and adopted his name to become Don Philip of Persia!

Zeynal Khan Shamlou

copper engraving
Date: 1604
Size: 23.6 cm x 15.4 cm
Sources: [1],[2],[3]

تصویر زینل خان شاملو - یکی‌ از فرستادگان صفوی به اروپا

Zeynal Beig Shamlou was a notable nobleman in Safavid Era. It seems he served as a military commander for both Shah Abbas I and Shah Safi. This portrait of him was possibly created when he traveled with Mehdi Qoli Beig to Europe. This work (titled Synal Chaen, persischer Botschafter in Prag) seems to be engraved in copper, and the artist is perhaps Aegidius Sadeler who was a famous painter and engraver and a member of the famous Sadeler family. [4]

Monir al-Saltaneh

Photography
Qajar Period, Persia
Source: [1]

عکس منیرالسلطنه در دربار ناصری

The lady in the right hand side, is Monir al-Saltaneh who was one of Naser al-adin Shah's wives. She was the daughter of the architect to the crown. Naser al-adin Shah's favorite son Prince Kamran Mirza was her son as well; as a result, she became an influential woman in the Qajar court.

Another Portrait of Askar Khan Afshar

Painting
Portrait of the Qajar ambassador to France.
Qajar Period.
Most likely done by a European artist.
Source: [1]
Similar item: [2]

In case I come up with more information about this artwork, I will post it here. The subject of this painting is probably Askar Khan Afshar, the Persian ambassador who was sent by Fath Ali Shah Qajar to Paris, during the period of the Franco-Persian alliance. According to Wikipedia, he arrived in Paris on 20 July 1808 and was able to meet Napoleon Bonaparte on 4 September 1808 at Château de Saint-Cloud palace.

Mechti Kuli Beg

Drawing
Published in Prague. 1605 AD
Material: paper.
Technique: engraving
Kept in the British Museum, UK
Source: [1]

This image is a rather confusing one. According to the British Museum, it is a portrait of Mechti Kuli Beg, -possibly Mehdi Qoli Beig, the Persian ambassador in Prague, half-length and slightly turned to left, a bird (probably a falcon) perched on his right hand, in oriental dress and wearing a turban.

The same image in Wikipedia is labeled as Ali Quli Beg, the nephew of the ambassador [2]. In case I come up with more information, I will post it here. 

Mohammed Reza Beig, The Persian Ambassador to France

Oval portrait painting,
Materials and technique: oil on canvas
Size: only 3 inches
By Antoine Coypel, a French artist
Possibly last sold at Sotheby's New York auction
Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

تصویر محمد رضا بیگ, سفیر صفوی در دربار لوئی چهاردهم امپراطور فرانسه

This portrait was created by Antoine Coypel. According to Wikipedia, he lived between 1661 and 1722 and worked as a history painter in the French court. He was a son of the French painter Noël Coypel. This portait was created during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV of France.

The subject of this painting is Mohammed Reza Beg, or according to French sources Méhémet Riza Beg, the Persian Ambassador Extraordinary to France, during the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King. He was sent to France by the order of Shah Sultan Husayn of Safavid Dynasty. His mission was to ask for French assistance to deter the Ottoman threat, and to aid Persia to fight Arab pirates in the Persian Gulf. He was able to sign a treaty of commerce and friendship between France and Persia at Versailles August 13, 1715. To French, however, the purpose of this mission was uncertain.

It is mentioned that when he came to Paris, Mohammed Reza Beig had no accreditation. Nonetheless, the king, who was convinced of his ambassadorial status, received him. The ambassador entered the Hall of Mirrors, accompanied by an interpreter. After a long audience, he attended the dinner that was given in his honor. He left the palace of Versailles after visiting the young crown prince Louis XV whom he liked. It is recorded that his gifts to the king were also unimpressive. The French thought that he was only a provincial dignitary putting on a show for his own ends. This was possibly due to Persians' lack of diplomatic maturity or experience which confused the French court.

As a result of this diplomatic mission, a Persian consulate was established in the Mediterranean port of Marseille for the trade with the East. However, The French attempt to establish commercial relations with Persia ended in failure due to the turbulent political situation of that period in the history, but also to its geographical location and difficult rivalry with Ottoman Empire and Russia.

During his residence in France, the ambassador had a very lavish life style. He also had and a love affair with a Georgian woman and impregnated her. On his Journey back to Persia, he spent the French King's gifts since he had no money left. He finally committed suicide as he learned that the Persian government was unhappy with his failures. His failure is similar to the recent story of an Iranian diplomat Brazil. It seems the history does repeats itself.

Ironically, his romance with that woman had a great impact on French and English literatures. A book called Amanzolide, story of the life, the amours and the secret adventures of Mehemed-Riza-Beg, Persian ambassador to the court of Louis the Great was written about him in France and was soon translated into English. It is also claimed that the embassy inspired Persian Letters (Lettres Persanes) of Montesquieu, which was published in 1721. [9] [10]

By Antoine Coypel, The Persian embassy to Louis XIV, 1715

A Portrait of A Qajar Official

Painting,
Qajar Period, 19th Century, Iran
Style and Technique: Gouache heightened with gold on paper
Dimensions: 38.2 x 26.8cm
Sold at Christie's Auction
Source: [1]

The oval portrait depicting the sitter half length, around his neck a portrait of Nasir al-Din Shah, richly dressed with an embroidered coat and wearing a distinctive black hat, on blue sky background, the portrait framed with gold flamed frame, with floral spandrels on pink ground, signed in Persian in pencil to the left side, framed and glazed.