According to the Queen, von Angeli was keen to paint Karim as he had never painted an Indian before and "was so struck with his handsome face and colouring".
Menurut Sri Ratu, von Angeli sangat berminat membuat lukisan Karim karena ia belum pernah melukis orang India dan "sangat terpukau melihat ketampanan wajah dan warna kulitnya".