Here, as in his most remarkable paintings, Deutsch excels in the rendering of all materials. Silks shimmer in the light, marble glitters, skin tones take on bluish hues and the metals of weapons sparkle. The almost theatrical postures of the two men reveal their social conditions. Standing back from the wall in the half-light, the guard bows his head as his master passes. He bows in respect. We see him wearing an Ottoman helmet called Kulah Khud, whose fine steel mesh covers his shoulders. His hand and forearm are also protected by metal. He holds a sword with a sharp blade. He holds a sharp-bladed sword, keeping watch at the entrance to intervene if an unwelcome visitor appears.

Fresh out of the palace, its heavy door still ajar, the emir presents a very different look. Pistol, dagger and sword in his belt, his richly embroidered clothes shimmer in the light. His gaze is turned to the side. His haughty bearing pays us no heed. He's the master of the place, capturing all the light and focusing all the attention. Even the sun's rays fail to reach him, merely highlighting the break in the steps he proudly descends.