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Jaurar Ben Abdallah

(active mid 17th century), Lord Chamberlain, privy seal and Prime Minister to the Emperor of Morocco

Sitter in 1 portrait
Born in Portugal, Abdullah became Lord Chamberlain and Prime Minister to the Emperor of Morocco. On a visit to Great Britain with his associate Robert Blake, a merchant at the Emperor's ports, they were both received at the Banqueting House in London with much ceremony. Impressed by the honourable display of how they were treated by the city and the court he said 'Such beauty as was before his eyes had more force than all the letters of the alphabet', (meaning he appreciated the efforts, was humbled and a little lost for words). This statement made him very popular on the evening, especially amongst the ladies who took it to mean that their beauty had left him speechless. The purpose of the trip was to cultivate friendship and alliance with the English in order to procure the liberty of captives, it had the desired impact.

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Jaurar Ben Abdallah, by George Glover - NPG D28620

Jaurar Ben Abdallah

by George Glover
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D28620

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