ManuscriptsPersian16th century

Story of Farangis (text, recto and verso), folio from a manuscript of the Shahnama by Firdawsi

1562

Description

Estranged from his father Kay Kavus, Siyavush temporarily enjoyed the hospitality of the Turanian ruler Afrasiyab and took his daughter, Farangis, as one of his wives. Later, overcome by fear of ill-omens and the jealousy of his courtiers, Afrasiyab ordered the execution of the Iranian prince. Grabbing the young prince, Gurvi cut his throat, catching the blood in a golden dish. Siyavush met death bravely, knowing that Farangis would soon give birth to a son (Kay Khusraw)who would unite the lands of Turan and Iran under one crown.

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

37.2 x 23.9 cm (14 5/8 x 9 7/16 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.