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"Bizhan Slaughters the Wild Boars of Irman", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The people of Irman (Armenia) complained to the shah about a plague of ferocious and destructive wild boars. Bizhan, an impetuous young hero, volunteered to rid the forest of them. Here, the artist has departed from the text of the poem by showing Bizhan on foot (forgetting, however, that the young man should not have facial hair), with the result of enhancing the danger and drama of the encounter.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Bizhan Slaughters the Wild Boars of Irman", 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 5/8 in. (4.2 cm)
    W. 4 3/16 in. (10.7 cm)
    Page:
    H. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 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: 1974.290.18
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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