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"Iskandar in the Presence of the Brahmins", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455
Iskandar (Alexander the Great) traveled to the land of the Brahmins to learn their philosophy. He found them content in their quest for wisdom and knowledge, which are more enduring goals than crown, conquest, and treasure. Here, the Brahmins are shown in the simplest of robes and with the curving-leaf headgear traditionally depicted in miniatures on such otherworldly beings as nymphs, fairies, and angels.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Iskandar in the Presence of the Brahmins", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of 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. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 7/8 in. (4.7 cm)
    W. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.32
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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