English School, early 19th century

Portrait of Rahmah ibn Jabir al-Jalahimah

Details

English School, early 19th century
Portrait of Rahmah ibn Jabir al-Jalahimah
inscribed 'Rahma Ibn Jabba from a likeness taken in 1819' in the lower margin
pen and ink and watercolour on paper
6 5/8 x 5½in. (16.8 x 14cm.)
together with a contemporary newspaper obituary of the sitter and a portrait of an Arab prince signed 'G.J.Graham', in a common frame

Provenance

Lt. Dunsterville, Quatar.

Lot Essay

Rahmah ibn Jabir al-Jalahimah (1760-1826), the legendary pirate of the Persian Gulf, had a reputation as a fearless warrior. Born in modern day Kuwait, he started life as a horse trader, moving on to a career in buccaneering. He died onboard his ship Al-Ghatroushah during a sea battle against the Al-Khalifa ships, choosing to blow himself and his son up with gunpowder rather than die at the hands of his enemies.

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