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"Isfandiyar's Fourth Course: He Slays a Sorceress", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
Depictions of the encounter of Isfandiyar and the sorceress customarily show the witch in her true form - as a hideous hag - rather than in the guise of a beautiful maiden as she first appears. In this idyllic scene, set in an oasis in the desert, the hero, who knows her true personality, lures her with the sound of his lute. He will soon offer her wine to get her drunk and strike her with his sword.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Isfandiyar's Fourth Course: He Slays a Sorceress", 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: Page: H. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
    W. 5 3/8 in. (13.6 cm)
    Painting: H. 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
    W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 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: 1974.290.27
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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