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"The Angel Surush Rescues Khusrau Parviz from a Cul-de-sac", Folio 708v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Muzaffar 'Ali Iranian
ca. 1530–35
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462
Pursued by the potential usurper Bahram Chubina, Shah Khusrau Parviz fled up a narrow gorge. Reaching an impasse, Khusrau prayed to God for help, and instantly the angel Surush appeared and whisked him to safety. The painting is attributed to Muzaffar 'Ali, a leading artist of the younger generation and great-nephew of the renowned painter Bihzad. In keeping with his other compositions, the elements appear to fly apart, with rocks jutting in every direction. His brushwork is somewhat painterly, consisting of layers of pale hues rather than the customary technique of painting with richly saturated colors.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Angel Surush Rescues Khusrau Parviz from a Cul-de-sac", Folio 708v 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 Muzaffar 'Ali (Iranian, active late 1520s–70s; died ca. 1576)
  • Date: ca. 1530–35
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
    W. 11 in. (27.9 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
    W. 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
    W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)

  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.73
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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