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"Ceasar Captive Before Shapur II", Folio 543r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Aqa Mirak Iranian
1530–35
Not on view
Shah Shapur went to Rum disguised as a merchant, but was recognized at Caesar’s court and thrown into prison. Caesar then invaded Iran, causing havoc. A sympathetic young man helped Shapur to escape to Iran, where he gathered an army to take revenge. He captured Caesar but spared his life, castigating him for his evil actions. Aqa Mirak, the last director of the Shahnama project, has minimized the number of figures to heighten the dramatic tension between the protagonists

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Ceasar Captive Before Shapur II", Folio 543r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Aqa Mirak (Iranian, active ca. 1525–1576 Qazvin)
  • Date: 1530–35
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 8 5/8 in. (21.9 cm)
    W. 8 7/16 in. (21.4 cm)
    Entire Page:
    H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
    W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.60
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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