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"Rustam is Thrown into the Sea by the Div Akvan", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The illustration of Rustam's encounter with the div Akvan, showing the hero in the water defending himself against a sea monster in the form of a lion while the evil div looks on from the shore, is as unique as it is charming. The established iconography usually pictures Rustam asleep on a piece of sod held aloft by the div, who offers him the choice to be thrown to death onto the rocky mountains or into the sea. Rustam, knowing that the div will do the opposite, chose the mountains and thus survives the perils of the sea.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Rustam is Thrown into the Sea by the Div Akvan", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1330–40
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
    W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
    Page:
    H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    W. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
    Mat:
    H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
    W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.17
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper
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"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
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