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Woman Applying Henna

late 16th century
Not on view
This painting is a rare depiction of a young woman applying henna to her feet, a ritual associated with rite of passage celebrations, specifically marriage, in Iran and surrounding regions. The subject chosen by this unknown artist reflects the increasing interest of Safavid painters of this period in depictions of everyday people and events. The sitter’s right foot rests on a pile of henna leaves, her garments falling back slightly to reveal her gold and gray undergarments. The illustration would have been included in an album of paintings and drawings.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Woman Applying Henna
  • Date: late 16th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: H. 14 7/16 (36.7 cm)
    W. 9 in. (22.9cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1955
  • Object Number: 55.121.21
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Kitab suwar al-kawakib al-thabita (Book of the Images of the Fixed Stars) of al-Sufi, `Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi Iranian, Ink and gold on paper; leather binding
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