ManuscriptsPersian16th century

Afrasiyab and Siyavush Embrace (painting, recto; text, verso), illustrated folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

1520-1540

Description

In this part of Firdawsi’s epic, the Iranian king Kay Kavus decided to wage war against Turan (Turkestan), even though his son, prince Siyavush, had signed a treaty with the Turanian king, Afrasiyab. Siyavush chose to disregard his father’s orders and accept Afrasiyab’s invitation to visit Turan and take refuge in the realm, thereby averting yet another war between Iran and Turan. This folio was part of a famous illustrated manuscript of the Shahnama produced at the Safavid court during the 1520s and 1530s. Known as the Shahnama of Shah Tahmasp, after the ruler (r. 1524–76) for whom it was made, the book originally consisted of 759 text folios and 258 paintings of superb quality. This illustration portrays a moment of optimism and brotherhood between the Turanians and the Iranians. Having dismounted from their horses, Afrasiyab and Siyavush embrace, to the delight of their attendants and supporters. Piran, Afrasiyab’s aged advisor, who has played an important role in fostering a relationship of trust between the former foes, stands on the left, a white-bearded figure witnessing the exchange of affection. The emotional scene takes place in front of a colorfully decorated palatial structure that likely reflects contemporary Safavid architecture. The headgear of all the figures, Iranians and Turanians alike, consists of turbans folded around caps with tall red projections (taj-i Haydari). These distinctive turbans were worn by the followers of Tahmasp and suggest a sense of identification with the Shahnama at the Safavid court. Recto. Subtitles in the text of this folio read, "Afrasiyab receives Siyavush in Turkistan." Text corresponds with M. Ramazani (1963) vol.1, p. 466, lines 11541-11553. Ramazani subtitle reads, "Afrasiyab receives Siyavush." Text corresponds with J. Mohl (1976), vol. 2, pp. 308-310, lines 1350-1361. Mohl subtitle reads, "Entrevue de Siawusch et d'Afrasiab." Verso. Text corresponds with M. Ramazani (1963) vol. 1, pp. 466-68, lines 11554-11609. Ramazani subtitles read, "Siyavush displays his prowess in the square." Text corresponds with J. Mohl (1976), vol. 2, pp. 310-314, lines 1362-1408. Mohl subtitles read, "Siawusch montre son adresse devant Afrasiab."

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Black ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on off-white paper, with underdrawing in black ink

Culture

Persian

Period

Safavid period

Century

16th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Islamic & Later Indian Art

Dimensions

47.1 x 31.8 cm (18 9/16 x 12 1/2 in.)

Provenance

Shah Tahmasp, Iran (until 1568). Sultan Selim II, Istanbul (from 1568). Sultan Selim III, Istanbul (by 1800). Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Paris (by 1903–d. 1934) by descent to; his son, Baron Maurice de Rothschild, Paris and Pregny, near Geneva (by 1955–d. 1957), sold; through [Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York, 1959]; to Arthur A. Houghton Jr., New York (1959-1988), sold; through [Christies, October 1988, lot no. 1]. [Spink and Son Ltd., London, April-May 1992, lot no. 50], sold; to Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood, Belmont, MA (1992-2001), gift to Harvard Art Museums, 2002.