Harun Al Rashid Collection

Charlemagne receiving the gift of a clepsydra (water clock) from Harun al-Rashid, c.1910 (colour litho)
498860 Charlemagne receiving the gift of a clepsydra (water clock) from Harun al-Rashid, c.1910 (colour litho) by European School (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Iraq - The Tomb of Sit Zobaida Baghdad
3790469 Iraq - The Tomb of Sit Zobaida Baghdad; (add.info.: Iraq - The Tomb of Sit Zobaida Baghdad, the wife of Haroun el Rashid the fourth Caliph of Abbaside)

Harun al-Rashid and the inside a hammam (From a Manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami), c. 1495. Found in the collection of British Library

Charlemagnes water jug (gold & cloisonne enamel)
XIR146386 Charlemagnes water jug (gold & cloisonne enamel) by Carolingian School; Treasury of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, Valais

The Caliph Harun al-Rashid at the Baths, c. 1584-5 (gouache with gold paint on paper)
1196821 The Caliph Harun al-Rashid at the Baths, c. 1584-5 (gouache with gold paint on paper) by Persian School, (16th century)

The Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid mingling with his people incognito (chromolitho)
1093674 The Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid mingling with his people incognito (chromolitho) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

The envoys of Caliph Harun al-Rashid bringing gifts to the Emperor Charlemagne, 802 (engraving)
3647193 The envoys of Caliph Harun al-Rashid bringing gifts to the Emperor Charlemagne, 802 (engraving) by Schwind, Moritz Ludwig von (1804-71); Private Collection; (add.info)

The peasant and his ass before the Caliph Harun al-Rashid (engraving)
3647183 The peasant and his ass before the Caliph Harun al-Rashid (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Charlemagne receiving samples of fabrics and embroidery from the ambassadors of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid
2788844 Charlemagne receiving samples of fabrics and embroidery from the ambassadors of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid (chromolitho) by European School

The envoys of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid offering a clock to Charlemagne, 1660. Artist: Jordaens, Jacob (1593-1678)
The envoys of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid offering a clock to Charlemagne, 1660. Found in the collection of Musee des Beaux-Arts de Cambrai

Haroun al Raschids Presents, 1882. Artist: Anonymous
Haroun al Raschids Presents, 1882. Private Collection

Illustration to the Book One Thousand and One Nights. Artist: Apsit, Alexander Petrovich (1880-1944)
Illustration to the Book One Thousand and One Nights. Private Collection

The tomb of Zubayda, Baghdad, Iraq, 1925. Artist: A Kerim
The tomb of Zubayda, Baghdad, Iraq, 1925. Zubayda (d832) was the wife of Harun El Rashid (763-809), the fourth Abbasid caliph

Caravan of pilgrims in Ramleh (from a manuscript of Maqamat of al-Hariri), 1237. Found in the collection of the Bibliotheque Nationale de France

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Harun al-Rashid, the legendary Abbasid caliph, is depicted in various scenes throughout history. In a mesmerizing manuscript of the Khamsa of Nizami, we catch a glimpse of Harun al-Rashid inside a hammam, surrounded by opulence and luxury. The intricate details of Charlemagne's water jug, adorned with gold and cloisonné enamel, reflect the grandeur that characterized this era. In another captivating artwork titled "The Caliph Harun al-Rashid at the Baths, " created in 1584-5 using gouache with gold paint on paper, we witness his indulgence in leisurely activities. This portrayal showcases his appreciation for relaxation and enjoyment amidst his responsibilities as a ruler. However, it is not just within these lavish settings that Harun al-Rashid made an impact. A chromolitho depicts him mingling incognito with his people—a testament to his desire to understand their needs and concerns firsthand. The envoys of Caliph Harun al-Rashid are seen bringing gifts to Emperor Charlemagne in an engraving from 802. This exchange highlights the diplomatic relations between two powerful leaders during this time period. One cannot overlook the cultural exchanges that occurred between these empires either. Charlemagne receives samples of fabrics and embroidery from ambassadors representing Harun al-Rashid—an artistic fusion that enriched both civilizations' aesthetics. A clock offered by Harun al-Rashid's envoys to Charlemagne further exemplifies their technological advancements and willingness to share knowledge across borders—bridging cultures through innovation. Artistic depictions like "Haroun al Raschids Presents" capture moments where he generously bestows gifts upon others—an act symbolizing benevolence and magnanimity associated with this influential caliphate figure. Illustrations inspired by One Thousand and One Nights transport us into fantastical tales woven within Arabian nights, where Harun al-Rashid's reign is immortalized.