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

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