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Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

1074–79 AH/1663–69 CE
Not on view
In the late seventeenth century, the imprint of European painting appears in the style of certain Persian artists such as Muhammad Zaman. Here it can be seen in the use of perspective, the thick-foliaged trees, the shaded hills, and the bellpull in the pavilion. The terrace with its openwork railing and the river with its bank just beyond reflect the influence of painting of Mughal India, where the artist may have resided at one time.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Calligrapher: Bin Shams ad-Din Sheikh Muhammad
  • Artist: 'Ali Naqi ibn Shaikh 'Abbasi: (Iranian)
  • Artist: Aqa Nuyan
  • Artist: Ghulam Parmak (Iranian)
  • Artist: Fadl Ali
  • Artist: Muhammad Zaman (Iranian, active 1649–1700)
  • Artist: Mu'in Musavvir (Iranian, active 1630s–90s)
  • Date: 1074–79 AH/1663–69 CE
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: H. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
    W. 11 7/16 in. (29 cm)
    D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
  • Object Number: 13.228.17
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
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"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper
"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
late 15th century
"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century
"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper
"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century
"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, gold and metallic paint, and watercolor on paper
"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
16th century
"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
last quarter 15th century

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