No. 59 of 225. Matar served in Lawrence’s bodyguard (for which, cf. item 3) and was described by Lawrence as, ‘a parasite fellow of the Beni Hassan, [who] attached himself to us. His fat peasant’s buttocks filled his camel saddle, and took nearly as large a share in the lewd or lurid jokes which, on march, helped pass my guards’ leisure. We might enter Beni Hassan territory, where he had some influence. His unblushing greed made us sure of him, till his expectations failed’ (Seven Pillars of Wisdom (London, 1935), p. 391).

Kennington’s original pastel drawing was given to the Tate Gallery by Lawrence in 1922.

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