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"Elias and Khizr at the Fountain of Life', Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
late 15th century
Not on view
Alexander the Great figures prominently in Persian literature and histories, including in both the Shahnama and the Khamsa of Nizami. This scene, which occurs in both texts, depicts Alexander and the Prophet Khizr’s search for the Fountain of Life. Although they begin the journey together, they are separated and only Khizr is successful. Here, he appears with the Prophet Elias at the Fountain, while Alexander continues his search in the background.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Elias and Khizr at the Fountain of Life', Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: late 15th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Overall:
    H. 9 in. (22.9 cm)
    W. 3 9/16 in. (9 cm)
    Painting: H. 6 1/8 in. (15.5 cm)
    W. 5 7/8 in. (14.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Cora Timken Burnett Collection of Persian Miniatures and Other Persian Art Objects, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956
  • Object Number: 57.51.28
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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