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The Queen of Sheba Enthroned

late 19th–early 20th century
Not on view
This painting demonstrates an interest in reviving narratives from the Qur'an and ancient myths that were popular with artists of earlier periods. The style is closely based on that of the school of Shiraz of the 1570s. It illustrates the popular tale of Bilqis, the queen of Sheba, here shown enthroned. This is a tale of religious conversion; Bilqis worshipped the sun until receiving a letter from Solomon, inviting her to submit to the worship of one God alone. This folio would have been half of a double-page composition, the other page showing Solomon enthroned.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Queen of Sheba Enthroned
  • Date: late 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Iran
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
  • Dimensions: H. 11 1/2 in. (29.2 cm)
    W. 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Charles K. Wilkinson, 1979
  • Object Number: 1979.518.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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