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"Alexander Visits the Sage Plato in his Mountain Cave", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi

Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian
Painting attributed to Basawan Indian
1597–98
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
The Khamsa of the Indian poet Amir Khusrau includes a section on the philosopher-king Alexander the Great, who in Khusrau’s telling of his life led expeditions to China, Russia, and the Western Isles, and also undertook quests of a spiritual dimension. Here, the turbaned king is seated on the right, listening to the sage Plato, who offers advice on rulership but also warns of Alexander’s impending death.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Alexander Visits the Sage Plato in his Mountain Cave", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi
  • Author: Amir Khusrau Dihlavi (Indian, Patiyali, 1253–1325 Delhi)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Basawan (Indian, active ca. 1556–1600)
  • Date: 1597–98
  • Geography: Attributed to India
  • Medium: Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paperg
    Margins: Gold on dyed paper
  • Dimensions: Page: H. 9 7/8 in. (25.1 cm)
    W. 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm)
    Mat: H.19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm
    W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913
  • Object Number: 13.228.30
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Alexander Fights a Sea Battle", Folio from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian, Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper<br/>Margins: Gold on dyed paper
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