Mohammed Ben Ali Abgali FRS was a Moroccan Ambassador to Great Britain, from 14 August 1725 to February 1727.[1]
He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1726.[2] He corresponded with Martin Folkes.[3]
In the 1720s, Mohammed Ben Ali Abgali served as Ismail Ibn Sharif's final ambassador to England.[4] Appointed by the Alaouite emperor, Abgali traveled to London to engage with King George I.[4] During his time in England, he attended various arts events, including a play by Nicholas Rowe and performances featuring Commedia dell'arte, a theatrical form that originated in Italy and gained popularity across Europe from the 16th to 18th centuries.[4]
Abgali's stay allowed him to interact with notable figures and experience the cultural and artistic aspects of London and Europe.[4] English artist, Enoch Seeman, painted a portrait of the Moroccan diplomat, which remains preserved in England.[4] This 400,000-euro valued artwork, depicting Abgali in traditional attire, has been displayed on multiple occasions in the United Kingdom, and is said to have two versions.[4] On February 14, 1727, Abgali returned to his country, Morocco.[4]