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"The Execution of Mazdak", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The Sasanian prince who was later called Nushirvan, believed the popular religion of Mazdak to be an evil heresy. Thus he planted Mazdak's closest followers head down in a walled garden so that Mazdak might see the fruit of the evil seeds he had scattered. The prince then had a false prophet hanged upside down and slain with arrows, though no arrows are in sight here. Mazdak and an attendant look at the scene at right.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Execution of Mazdak", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1330–40
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
    W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm)
    W. 4 5/16 in. (10.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.37
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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