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Journey of the Prophet Muhammad; Leaf from a copy of the Majmac al-tawarikh (Compendium of Histories), ca. 1425; Timurid
Herat, Afghanistan
Colors, silver, and gilt on brownish paper; 16 7/8 x 13 in. (42.8 x 33 cm)
Cora Timken Burnett Collection of Persian Miniatures and Other Persian Art Objects, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956 (57.51.9)

Many of the illustrations in this manuscript, in spite of the simplicity of their style—especially when compared to the highly polished and sophisticated paintings associated with Shah Rukh's son Baisunghur—are effective in their straightforward presentation. Here, the Prophet, perched atop the exaggerated hump of this dromedary, dominates the composition. His position, and that of his two attendants on foot, along the ground line, while harking back to the tradition of an earlier period, yet give them a distinct presence on the page. The mounted figures closely bunched together at the front of the procession seem positioned there to ensure that the Prophet will face no surprises on the journey.


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    Journey of the Prophet Muhammad; Leaf from a copy of the Majmac al-tawarikh (Compendium of Histories), ca. 1425; Timurid
    Herat, Afghanistan
    Colors, silver, and gilt on brownish paper; 16 7/8 x 13 in. (42.8 x 33 cm)
    Cora Timken Burnett Collection of Persian Miniatures and Other Persian Art Objects, Bequest of Cora Timken Burnett, 1956 (57.51.9)