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"Nushirvan Promulgates His Reforms", Folio 602v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
Painting attributed to Muzaffar 'Ali Iranian
ca. 1530–35
Not on view
Nushirvan (r. 531–79) became known for the reforms he instituted, especially in the system of taxation. Here he dictates to a scribe a letter to his agents, outlining the new system and also setting forth principles of conduct: judiciousness and absolute scrupulousness in the administration of their duties. Muzaffar 'Ali, who painted this illustration, worked for the Safavid court through the entire reign of Shah Tahmasp. As is typical of works by the second generation of Shahnama artists, the figures here are larger in scale and fewer in number than in comparable Shahnama compositions completed between 1525 and 1530.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Nushirvan Promulgates His Reforms", Folio 602v 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. 1530–35
  • Geography: Made in Iran, Tabriz
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Painting:
    H. 10 5/8 in. (27 cm)
    W. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm)
    Entire Page:
    H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm)
    W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.301.68
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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