Habit of the Ambassador from Persia to the Port

by Thomas Jefferys

Join the "Turquerie" mania of the mid-18th century in this beautiful copperplate engraving produced by Thomas Jefferys. This engraving presents the majestic figure of the Persian Ambassador on his official visit to the "Port," where the "Port" refers to the Ottoman Sublime Porte of Istanbul.

However, beyond being a simple costume engraving, this engraving embodies the complex interplay of geopolitics in the relations of the two empires, namely the Persian and Ottoman Empires. Thomas Jefferys' engravings demonstrate not only a high degree of artistry but also a great deal of accuracy as well. In other words, the engraving provides an excellent depiction of the "Great Game" of 18th-century diplomacy.