"Nushirvan Promulgates His Reforms", Folio 602v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Muzaffar 'Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

ca. 1530–35 · Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

Nushirvan (r. 531–79) became known for the reforms he instituted, especially in the system of taxation. Here he dictates to a scribe a letter to his agents, outlining the new system and also setting forth principles of conduct: judiciousness and absolute scrupulousness in the administration of their duties. Muzaffar 'Ali, who painted this illustration, worked for the Safavid court through the entire reign of Shah Tahmasp. As is typical of works by the second generation of Shahnama artists, the figures here are larger in scale and fewer in number than in comparable Shahnama compositions completed between 1525 and 1530.

Artist

Muzaffar 'Ali|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

Date

ca. 1530–35

Medium

Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970