Artwork

Emperor of Morocco sitting on the Steps of the old Moorish palace at Tangiers surrounded by his black Guard to receive the English presents

Emperor of Morocco sitting on the Steps of the old Moorish palace at Tangiers surrounded by his black Guard to receive the English presents is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1814 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1814 drawing records a diplomatic encounter in Tangier, showing the Moroccan ruler seated on the stone steps of a historic Moorish palace. He is encircled by members of his black guard while English envoys present gifts. The composition is rendered in a rapid, sketch‑like manner, suggesting it was produced on site.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is the Sultan of Morocco, portrayed in ceremonial robes, receiving tribute from British representatives. The presence of the black guard highlights the ruler’s personal security and the multicultural composition of his court, while the exchange of presents underscores the political overtures between Morocco and England during the early nineteenth century.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, cross‑hatched lines, the drawing emphasizes contour and tonal variation through dense shading. The artist employed quick strokes to capture movement and atmosphere, focusing on the arrangement of figures and architectural elements rather than fine detail, a common approach for field sketches of the period.

History & Provenance

The work is attributed to a British officer who visited Morocco toward the close of the Peninsular War, a time when British diplomatic and military interests were expanding in the region. Its provenance traces back to military archives before entering the museum’s collection as a visual record of early nineteenth‑century Anglo‑Moroccan relations.

Context

In 1814, Morocco was navigating its position between European powers, while Britain sought allies against Napoleonic France. Tangier’s old Moorish palace, with its arches and towers, served as a ceremonial backdrop for such encounters, reflecting the blend of indigenous architecture and foreign diplomatic activity.