"Isfandiyar's Sixth Course: He Comes Through the Snow", Folio 438r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

'Abd al-Vahhab|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

ca. 1525–30 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

After three days and nights of ceaseless snow and terrible cold, everyone in Isfandiyar’s army turned to prayer. Instantly the clouds blew away, and they gave thanks to God. Here, Isfandiyar’s followers prepare for the storm, warming themselves beside campfires and securing their tents. Most scenes in the Shahnama have no reference to weather. Either the sun shines or the stars twinkle in the sky. Here, however, the artist successfully conveys the sense of the beginning of a heavy snowfall against a gray sky.

Artist

'Abd al-Vahhab|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

Date

ca. 1525–30

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970