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"Faramarz Slays Varazad", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
Many of the wars recounted in the Persian epic, the Shahnama, concern revenge for the murder of the pure-hearted Iranian prince Siyavush at the hands of the Turanians, as seen in this rarely illustrated episode. Of particular interest is the building with a square panel of kufic script set into the brickwork, a common feature of the architecture of the period. The flames indicate that the lands of the Turanians were burned and laid waste after their defeat.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Faramarz Slays Varazad", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1330–40
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
    W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
    W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.20
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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