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"The Coronation of the Infant Shapur II", Folio 538r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Muzaffar 'Ali Iranian
ca. 1525–30
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 462
The last section of the Shahnama chronicles the reigns of the Sasanian kings of Iran. Here, the tiny infant Shapur, born after the death of his father Hurmuzd II, is depicted seated on an ornately bejeweled throne as his nurse fans him. The artist Muzaffar 'Ali’s lifelong familiarity with the court and his good-natured approach to its denizens inform the portrayal of the servants bearing jewels and gifts for the new king, the chatting courtiers in the foreground, and the elegant ladies who observe from a window above the door.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "The Coronation of the Infant Shapur II", Folio 538r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Muzaffar 'Ali (Iranian, active late 1520s–70s; died ca. 1576)
  • Date: ca. 1525–30
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 13 1/4 in. (33.7 cm)
    W. 8 11/16 in. (22.1 cm)
    Entire Page:
    H. 18 9/16 in. (47.1 cm)
    W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.59
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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