Goruy Executes Siyāvoš
The subject is a popular choice amongst illustrations of the Shahnama. Siyāvoš, his hands bound behind his back, is held firmly by the hair by the Turānian officer Goruy, who, with a knife provided by Garsivaz, is about to sever the head of Siyāvoš. Another Turānian soldier kneels before them with a shallow bowl to receive the head and the blood that is about to be spilt. The excution was ordered by the Turānian king Afrāsiyāb after Garsivaz had falsely accused him - Garsivaz was present at the execution, and it may be him that the artist intended on the far right in a green tunic. One other soldier, two horses and grooms complete the scene. The setting is a dark colored barren hillside with a typical rock outcropping at the top, some sparse vegetation, and a turbulent sky.
Page: 35.4 x 21.8 cm. Painting with text and frame: 28.7 x 14.3 cm.
Text is written on a diagonal above and below the painting; the diagonal text on the lower half of the page is at the opposite incline from that on the top half. In addition, there are single lines of four column horizontal text inside the inner frame, one line above the painting, and another line below. Gilt interlinear decoration permeates the text. The painting is reportedly signed by Moʿin in the lower margin.
Location:
The Israel Musem, Jerusalem #B69-0582. Formerly in the Davud Collection.
Painting references:
Milstein,Israel_1984, p.86, no.63 (not ill.).
Cambridge Shahnameh Project (not illustrated)
Text references: Warner, II, pp.320-21;Mohl, II, p.327.
For another version of this subject by Moʿin, see Ms.C, folio 112r
Robert Eng
Last Updated: April 14, 2011.
Originally published: April 14, 2011
