ManuscriptsPersian16th century

Preparations for the Wedding of Farangis and Siyavush (painting, recto; text, verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

1562

Description

Estranged from his father, the king of Iran, Prince Siyavush temporarily enjoyed the hospitality of Afrasiyab, the ruler of Turan. At the urging of the Turanian commander-in-chief, Piran, Siyavush asked for the hand of the king’s daughter, Farangis. Despite his misgivings, Afrasiyab agreed to give the beautiful princess to Siyavush. In this painting, Farangis is receiving lavish wedding presents from Gulshahr, Piran’s wife, who kneels before her. Afrasiyab observes the gift giving from his throne. Attended by court officials, servants, musicians, and a dancer, the festive celebration takes place in two lavish tents pitched in a blooming garden.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Culture

Persian

Period

Safavid period

Century

16th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

37.1 x 23.8 cm (14 5/8 x 9 3/8 in.)

Provenance

[Christies, London, 17 October 1995, lot no. 79]. [Mansour Gallery, London, before 1998] sold; to Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (by 1998-2002), gift; to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.