"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

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

More Artwork

By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

In the same medium

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"Alexander Executes Janusiyar and Mahiyar, the Slayers of Darius", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper — "Alexander Executes Janusiyar and Mahiyar, the Slayers of Darius", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
dated 887 AH/1482 CE

"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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