The Queen of Sheba Enthroned

Unknown

late 19th–early 20th century · Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper · Islamic Art

This painting demonstrates an interest in reviving narratives from the Qur'an and ancient myths that were popular with artists of earlier periods. The style is closely based on that of the school of Shiraz of the 1570s. It illustrates the popular tale of Bilqis, the queen of Sheba, here shown enthroned. This is a tale of religious conversion; Bilqis worshipped the sun until receiving a letter from Solomon, inviting her to submit to the worship of one God alone. This folio would have been half of a double-page composition, the other page showing Solomon enthroned.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th–early 20th century

Medium

Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Charles K. Wilkinson, 1979