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Süleyman Aga
Jean Bernard Restout French
Not on view
The Tunisian ambassador Süleyman Aga, selected for his physical hardiness (to withstand the winter voyage), appeared to his French hosts stubborn regarding court rules. Restout rendered his supposed recalcitrance in this portrait, painted at Süleyman’s request. Although overseas visitors were encouraged to wear indigenous dress for their audience, small weapons such as the dagger tucked into his sash here were not permitted in the king’s presence. The official record mentions that Süleyman presented "cartloads" of gifts, including two lion cubs for the Menagerie.
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