A letter on the reverse of this painting records that it was sent to King Edward VII in 'recognition of his friendship and goodwill constantly manifested towards Abyssinia by His Majesty.' The letter suggests that a portrait of Menelik’s third wife, Taytu Betul (c. 1851-1918) was also sent (untraced).

Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia, who ruled from 1889, sought to preserve the independence of his people by defeating a major Italian military expedition; he also strengthened his kingdom through expansion and political and economic modernization.

He is depicted wearing a dark jacket with a white scarf wrapped around his neck, with another wrapped about his head. A contemporary photograph portrays him in almost identical costume.