Kay Ḵosrow Sends Rostam to India
The subject is not a popular choice amongst illustrations of the Shahnama, perhaps because there is no real story, nor any dramatic or romantic interest that can be attached to the episode. The painting is small in relation to the text on the page, and in comparison with the size of other paintings from the manuscript. It appears more like a space filler than a revealing illustration. Yet the composition is finely executed and signed by the artist. The composition is simple. The shah, in a red robe, is seated on his throne on the left in front of a blue and white panel.He is surrounded by the typical court attendants. Rostam and three of his warriors stand on the right facing the shah. Rostam has his hands extended in gratitude for Kay Ḵhosrow assigning him the mission of recapturing Hind from Turānian control.
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 and on the right side; 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 blocks of four column horizontal text inside the inner frame, and a chapter title captivated therein. Gilt interlinear decoration permeates the text. No indications of damage or retouching. The painting is signed on the forward edge of the throne, raqam-e kamina moʿin-e moṣavver.
Location:
The Israel Musem, Jerusalem #B69-0626. Formerly in the Davud Collection.
Painting references:
Milstein,Israel_1984, pp.86 and 88, no.64 (ill. in color).
Cambridge Shahnameh Project (not illustrated)
Text references: Warner, III, pp.30-31; Levy, pp.108-09.
Robert Eng
Last Updated: April 13, 2011.
Originally published: April 13, 2011
