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"The Assassination of Khusrau Parviz", Folio 742v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to 'Abd al-Samad Iranian
ca. 1535
Not on view
After many years of honest rule, Khusrau Parviz became unjust and his chiefs plotted to overthrow him. The conspirators placed his eldest son, Shuriya, on the throne and imprisoned Khusrau with his beloved Shirin. However, the power of the deposed shah was still feared and Shuriya’s advisors pressed him to order his father’s assassination. A foulsmelling killer was found and soon he entered Khusrau’s chamber and stabbed him through the heart. This work is one of the few by the young artist 'Abd al-Samad, who left for India in the 1540s and was instrumental in founding the Mughal school of painting.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Assassination of Khusrau Parviz", Folio 742v 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 'Abd al-Samad (Iranian, Shiraz ca. 1505/15–ca. 1600)
  • Date: ca. 1535
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 11 3/16 in. (28.4 cm)
    W. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm)
    Page:
    H. 18 1/2 in. (47 cm)
    W.12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 22 in. (55.9 cm)
    W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)

    Frame:
    H. 23 in. (58.4 cm)
    W. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.75
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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