Saudi Arabia King Faisal Signed Royal Presentation Photograph Royalty Portrait

Description

This exceedingly rare and historically significant antique royal presentation photograph, dated circa 1964, features the bold and pronounced manuscript autograph of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Hand-signed in vibrant blue ink, this one-of-a-kind artifact offers a direct connection to one of the most pivotal figures in modern Middle Eastern history. The photograph is original, housed in its accompanying royal presentation folder embossed with the royal coat of arms of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, further emphasizing its regal provenance. Measuring approximately 6.75 by 9.5 inches, this museum-quality piece is preserved in exceptional condition, a testament to its enduring historical and cultural significance.

King Faisal (1906–1975), the third son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, reigned as King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 until his assassination in 1975. Known for his extraordinary leadership, Faisal modernized the Kingdom while maintaining its Islamic traditions, implementing reforms that outlawed slavery, stabilized Saudi Arabia’s bureaucracy, and introduced modernization policies that shaped the Kingdom’s future. His leadership on the international stage was equally transformative. Faisal's foreign policies emphasized pan-Islamism, anti-communism, and pro-Palestinian advocacy, and his oil embargo in 1973 during the Yom Kippur War had a lasting impact on global politics by triggering the 1973 oil crisis.

The photograph reflects Faisal’s royal and diplomatic stature during a period of significant reform and modernization in Saudi Arabia. As prime minister from 1954 to 1960 and again from 1962 to his death in 1975, Faisal strengthened the Kingdom’s global influence. Domestically, his reign marked a careful balancing act between modernization and maintaining Islamic values, as he sought to limit the power of religious officials while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the Islamic world.

This presentation photograph, bearing his dated autograph, is a profound artifact that encapsulates the legacy of a leader who bridged tradition and modernization in Saudi Arabia. Its embossed royal coat of arms, fine preservation, and accompanying presentation folder elevate its significance as a historical and collectible treasure.

Following his assassination in 1975 by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid, King Faisal was succeeded by his half-brother King Khalid. Despite his tragic and sudden death, King Faisal remains a revered figure in Saudi history, celebrated for his leadership, modernization efforts, and his advocacy for the Palestinian cause and pan-Islamic unity.

This one-of-a-kind presentation photograph is a tangible representation of King Faisal’s enduring legacy. Its combination of artistic quality, royal provenance, and historical significance makes it an invaluable addition to any collection of royal memorabilia, Saudi Arabian history, or Middle Eastern political artifacts. Authentic and correct, this photograph is not just a relic of a bygone era—it is a window into the life and reign of one of the most influential monarchs in modern history.