Persian verses (verso) from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940-1019 or 1025)
Unknown Artist
late 1400s
Medium
opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
32.4 × 21.6 cm · text area: 22.6 × 16.1 cm
Classification
Manuscript
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Heeramaneck Galleries
Accession Number
1942.871.b
About this artwork
A prince from Iran’s early legendary history, Siyavush was sent by his father, the shah, to train under the great warrior Rustam in the arts of hunting, archery, and horseback riding. In the painting on the other side of this page, Siyavush demonstrates his considerable skill by hitting the bulls eye on a rolling target from horseback. The gold sky, pastel ground with grassy tufts, and dense leafy riverbank are distinctive features of Persian painting during this period.