This is a portrait of the Albanian Khedive (ruler) of Egypt, Muhammad Ali (1769–1849). He was a commander in the Ottoman army and had seized power after a civil war. Muhammad Ali oversaw dramatic reforms of Egyptian military, economy and culture. He commissioned this work from Wilkie. Here, he presents himself in traditional Islamic dress but sitting in a European chair and wearing a fez rather than the traditional turban. Wilkie met Muhammad Ali in Egypt on his return journey from travels in the Middle East. This was Wilkie’s last painting, he fell ill and died on his journey back to Britain.