"Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi", Folio 87v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Qadimi|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|'Abd al-'Aziz
ca. 1525 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art
The Shahnama made for the Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–76) is the most luxurious sixteenth‑century copy of this poem about the legendary kings of Iran. It took more than twenty years to complete and involved two generations of the best Safavid artists, including Qadimi, painter of the scene here, who worked on many projects for Shah Tahmasp. In this painting, the hero Zal seeks advice on his wish to marry Rudaba from the wise Magi, seated at the foot of his throne.
- Artist
- Qadimi|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi|'Abd al-'Aziz
- Date
- ca. 1525
- Medium
- Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
- Department
- Islamic Art
- Credit line
- Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
