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"Isfandiyar's Second Course: He Slays the Lions", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
The story of Isfandiyar's encounter with the lions is less frequently depicted than most of the other six dangerous "courses". This absence of a strong illustrative tradition allowed the artist more freedom in his rendering of the scene. The most striking aspect of this miniature is the sympathetic yet naturalistic treatment of the wild animals - challenging, noble, and vibrant beasts in life and thus all the more pathetic in death.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Isfandiyar's Second Course: He Slays the Lions", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
  • 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: Page: H. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm)
    W. 5 1/4 in. (13.4 cm)
    Painting: H. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm)
    W. 4 5/16 in. (4.8 x 10.9 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.25
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

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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
"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper
"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, gold and metallic paint, and watercolor on paper
"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
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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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