Artwork

Bijan killing the wild boars of Irman, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (Persian, about 934–1020) (verso)

Bijan killing the wild boars of Irman, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (Persian, about 934–1020) (verso) is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting illustrates a scene from the Shah-nama, a Persian epic written by Firdausi.

About this work

Overview

This painting illustrates a scene from the Shah-nama, a Persian epic written by Firdausi. It depicts Bijan, a young hero, on a perilous hunt, and is characterized by vibrant colors and extensive gold decoration.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Bijan, son of an Iranian knight, hunting wild boars in a contested border region between Iran and Turan, despite his father's reservations about his readiness for the task.

Technique & Style

The artist employed a rich palette of reds, blues, and golds against a flat, patterned background, reflecting a blend of Persian narrative tradition and local Deccan artistic influences.

History & Provenance

This illustration comes from an early manuscript produced in the Deccan region of India, likely for the sultan of Bijapur, where Persian literary themes were integrated with regional artistic styles.