"Salman-i Farsi's Conversion," Folio from a Hamla-yi Haidari (Attack of the Lion)

19th century

Not on view

Though illustrated manuscripts on religious subjects had long existed in Iran, during the Qajar period there was a marked surge in manuscript production and large-scale religious paintings. This leaf from an unidentified manuscript is one example of the nineteenth-century flowering in devotional literature. It depicts the story of Salman, the Zoroastrian who, unconvinced by his own faith, converted first to Christianity and then to Islam. The scene depicted here shows his meeting with Muhammad after his wanderings had taken him to the city of Yathrib (Medina). Salman, standing to the Prophet's left, appears in the reception room of the house where Muhammad is staying, along with 'Ali (the figure kneeling on Muhammad's right, carrying the Dhu'l Fiqar) and other companions. Above, angels rain down heavenly fire on the gathering. It is leaf from an illustrated Shi'i epic celebrating Ali's life, his heroic deeds and campaigns.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: "Salman-i Farsi's Conversion," Folio from a Hamla-yi Haidari (Attack of the Lion)
Date: 19th century
Geography: Attributed to Iran
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions: Overall:
H. 13 in. (33.1 cm)
W. 7 1/2 in. (19 cm)
From gold rules around text:
H. 13 1/16 in. (33.2 cm)
W. 7 1/2 in. (19 cm)
Mat:
H. 19 11/16 in. (50 cm)
W. 13 11/16 in. 34.8 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Bequest of Adrienne Minassian, 1994
Object Number: 1997.293
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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