Prince Faisal (Photograph Album Belonging to James McBey)

OwnerOwned by James McBey (Newburgh, Scotland, 1883 - 1959)

SitterSitter is King Faisal I of Iraq (Mecca, Saudi Arabia, 1885 - 1933)

Date1918

Object NamePhotograph

Mediumphotograph

ClassificationsMcBey

Dimensions6.1 x 4.1cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1983 by Mrs Marguerite McBey.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG000686.314

Keywords

About MeSepia photograph taken during James McBey's service as Official War Artist, which he begun on 26 May 1917. The photograph is kept within a hardback photograph album, with faux leather overlay, along with a series of other related images.

The photograph depicts Prince Faisal, a friend of T. E. Lawrence, who sided with the British army during World War One and organised the Arab revolt against the Ottoman Empire. He also worked with the Allies in their conquest of Greater Syria and the capture of Damascus, where he became part of a new Arab government in 1918.

This photograph was taken near the time of the march through Damascus, which took place on 2 October 1918, the day after the capture of Damascus. The march was led by senior officer of the Australian Imperial Force, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Chauvel. During the march Chauvel took possesion of the house belonging to Djemal Pasha, who effectively ruled the Ottoman Empire thorughout World War One, alongside Enver and Talaat, as part of the Three Pashas.

This object is part of an archive that belonged to Marguerite McBey. As a result of her generosity, Aberdeen Art Gallery holds the largest archive of James McBey's work, including prints, drawings, sketchbooks, oil paintings and memorabilia such as this photograph.