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"Isfandiyar Slays Arjasp", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
Prince Isfandiyar's sisters were imprisoned in the Brazen Hold by the Turanian chieftain Arjasp. Disguised as a merchant with a caravan laden with desirable goods and treasures, the prince is able to enter the magically impregnable prison. He releases his troops, which are hidden in the caravan boxes, and they capture the Brazen Hold, killing all its defenders; the Iranian hero personally dispatches the reprehensible Arjasp. In the epic, the battle in the fortress takes place in the dead of night, with Arjasp wakened by the din and strapping on his armor. Here, however, he is shown having just been dragged down from his throne by Isfandiyar, who holds him by the hair while cleaving him with his sword; thus the spirit of the narrative is dynamically presented, even if some details are altered.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Isfandiyar Slays Arjasp", 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 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
    W. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
    W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.29
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
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