ManuscriptsPersian15th century

Khusraw Parviz Murdered in his Sleep (painting, recto; text, verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

c. 1480

Description

Courtiers who supported prince Shiruy’s bid for the throne pressured him to slay his father, the captive Khusraw Parviz. Shiruy, although distressed by the idea, was too weak to stand up to his nobles; they hired an assassin, whom Firdawsi describes as a hideous man named Mihr Hurmuzd. When Mihr Hurmuzd entered the palace where Khusraw Parviz was imprisoned, the king was appalled by the repellent creature who would bring about his death. He ordered his servant to bring fresh clothes and water and, after washing and praying, put on the clothes and covered his face with a cloak to avoid seeing his ugly murderer. Immediately Mihr Hurmuzd, dagger in hand, locked the chamber doors and stabbed the king in the chest. The painting captures the dramatic climax of the story, showing Khusraw on his bed and, atop him, Mihr Hurmuzd in the act of stabbing. Khusraw wears a crown; his face, contrary to what the text says, is not covered. The appearance of the assassin likewise diverges from the textual description: he wears ordinary fifteenth-century court dress, and only his exposed legs indicate his lowly status. The royal chamber in which the scene takes place is decorated with wall paintings, tilework, a carpet, and various types of geometric ornament.

Classification

Manuscripts

Medium

Ink and opaque watercolor on paper

Culture

Persian

Period

Aq Qoyunlu period

Century

15th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art