"The Fire Ordeal of Siyavush", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

dated 887 AH/1482 CE

Not on view

After Prince Siyavush rejected the amorous advances of his stepmother Sudaba, she falsely accused him of being the aggressor in the affair. To prove his innocence, the young prince insisted upon undergoing ordeal by fire. This illustration follows the story closely, as it depicts him dressed all in white on a black charger. Coming through the flames unscathed, Siyavush is a symbol of purity and innocence. He is later murdered by traitors, a crime that leads to the long series of wars between Iran and Turan that are recounted at length in the Shahnama.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: "The Fire Ordeal of Siyavush", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
Date: dated 887 AH/1482 CE
Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Shiraz
Medium: Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions: H. 12 3/16 in. (31 cm)
W. 7 15/16 in. (20.2 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1945
Object Number: 45.150
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

In the same medium

From the same time and place

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"The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper — "The Feast of Sada", Folio 22v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
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"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper — "Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio 434v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
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"Battle Between Iranians and Turanians", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Muhammad al-Qivam al-Shirazi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Battle Between Iranians and Turanians", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
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