"The Angel Gabriel Reveals Sura Annama 55 to the Prophet," Folio from a Hamla-yi Haidari (Attack of the Lion)

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This illustrated folio is from a Shi'i epic recounting the life of 'Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law and, according to Shi'is, the legitimate successor to the Prophet. It depicts the Angel Gabriel revealing the Sura 55 (Sura Ma'ida) to the Prophet. The Prophet is depicted with a white face-veil while 'Ali's face is in full view. The style and palette are consistent with paintings of the 1820's and 30's. Shi'i epics were a popular genre in the Qajar period although only a few illustrated manuscripts survive, making this a rare example from the period.

"The Angel Gabriel Reveals Sura Annama 55 to the Prophet," Folio from a Hamla-yi Haidari (Attack of the Lion), Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper

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