Portrait of Fath Ali Shah Seated Mihr Ali 1229/1813-1814 Oil on canvas Of the surviving portraits of Fath Ali Shah, this is the most typical. According to tradition, from the 16th century rulers were depicted seated in the Turkish manner with a pillow behind the back. In the background are a window and a landscape, probably copied from a European painting. However, the cool green of the landscape harmonises well with the red of the Shah's costume and the pale green of his crown. The sabre lying on the carpet, and the mace (not a sceptre) in the Shah's hand are symbols of royal power.