"Isfandiyar's Fourth Course: He Slays a Sorceress", Folio 435v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 7 3/16 in. (18.3 cm) W. 7 1/16 in. (18 cm) Page: H. 18 11/16 in. (47.5 cm) W. 12 5/8 in. (32.1 cm) Mat: H. 22 in. (55.9 cm) W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.52
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite folio comes from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, one of the most magnificent illustrated manuscripts ever created in Persia. Produced around 1525–30 during the early Safavid dynasty, the volume recounts the epic poem by Abu’l Qasimdausi, chronicling Iran’s legendary heroes and kings. The scene captures a dramatic moment from the adventures of the hero Isfandiyar, who confronts and slays a cunning sorceress during his seven trials—an episode rich with themes of courage, magic, and destiny drawn from ancient Persian storytelling traditions. Painted in opaque waterco...
About the Artist
Qasim ibn 'Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|Aqa Mirak (Iranian|Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1585 |1020
Iranian, active ca. 1525–60|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus