"Laila and Majnun in School", Folio 129 from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja

Sultan Muhammad Nur|Mahmud Muzahib|Shaikh Zada|Nizami

A.H. 931/1524–25 CE · Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

One of the best-known stories of Nizami’s Khamsa (Quintet) is that of Laila and Majnun, a tale akin to that of the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. This folio illustrates their meeting at the madrasa (school) where they fall in love at first sight. In addition to the young lovers, this highly detailed painting depicts activities typical of the sixteenthcentury schoolyard—with children burnishing paper, practicing their penmanship, and reading various types of books. Although the story takes place in Arabia, the architectural setting is quintessentially Persian.

Artist

Sultan Muhammad Nur|Mahmud Muzahib|Shaikh Zada|Nizami

Date

A.H. 931/1524–25 CE

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Alexander Smith Cochran, 1913