"Shaikh San'an and the Christian Maiden", Folio 22v from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds)
Farid al-Din `Attar
ca. 1600 · Opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art
In another tale from the Mantiq al-tair, a sufi shaikh falls in love with a Christian maiden, who subjects him to many demeaning tasks to test his affections. When his followers finally convince the shaikh to leave, the maiden—realizing the error of her ways—sets off on the arduous path after him. This painting depicts the moment in the story where the shaikh, deciding to return to her, instead discovers her collapsed along the road. With her dying breath she apologizes, converts to Islam, and bids him farewell, while his astonished disciples look on.
- Artist
- Farid al-Din `Attar
- Date
- ca. 1600
- Medium
- Opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
- Department
- Islamic Art
- Credit line
- Fletcher Fund, 1963
