Aulad Tied to a Plane Tree, from a Shahnama by Firdausi
1575–1600
Medium
opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
Dimensions
image: 33.5 × 23.5 cm · sheet: 33.5 × 23.5 cm
Classification
Manuscript
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund
Accession Number
1988.101
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
This large-scale illustration reflects a new aesthetic with simpler paintings of isolated figures which artists signed for less sophisticated patrons in the marketplace, replacing the previous idealized court style as a result of decreased support under Shah ‘Abbas (reigned 1587–1629). Instead, he improved the infrastructure to increase international trade and the country’s wealth. The scene depicts Aulad, who guided the legendary hero Rustam through numerous ordeals. Since Aulad was not entirel...