The Digital Ark: Early Modern Collections of Curiosities in England and Scotland, 1580-1700
Portrait of King of Algiers [ARK00090]
Attached People: Collector (major) - Bargrave, John (1610-1680)Location(s): Current location at - Canterbury Cathedral Library and Archives (Library and/or Archive) -> Canterbury Cathedral (Institution)
Annotation:[Canterbury Catalog: Portrait of the Dey of Algiers painted by an uncredited Italian slave painter, while Bargrave negotiated with the Dey of Algiers for the release of 162 English slaves. On the reverse Bargrave has written: "Shaban Aga il Grand d'Algeers, The King of Argeers, to whom I delivered his majesties letters credential, when in 1662 I went with his Majesties commissioner for the redemption of the English captives there with hierarchical and cathedral money, with which I redeemed and brought home with me all, viz. 162 slaves ... An Italian slave, a painter, drew me this rude piece at Argeers, very like as to face and habit. The copies of which in large I gave, one to his Majestie Charles the Second, who hanged it in his private closet; another I gave to my patron, Archbishop Juxton; a third to Archibishop Sheldon; and a fourth I kept for myself, in memorandum of that Christian and noble employ".] (c1662)