هفت خوان اسفندیار
برآمد که شد نامور زان ستوه
جهان سربسر گشت چون پر زاغ
ندانست کس باز هامون ز راغ
ببارید از ابر تاریک برف
زمینی پر از برف و بادی شگرف
Isfandiyar's Sixth Course: He Comes Through the Great Snow", Folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935–1020)
Artist:
Painting attributed to 'Abd al-Vahhab
Object Name:
Folio from an illustrated manuscript
Reign:
Shah Tahmasp (1524–76)
Date:
ca. 1525–30
Geography:
Iran, Tabriz
Medium:
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions:
Painting: H. 11 1/8 x W. 7 7/16 in. (H. 28.2 x W. 18.9 cm) Entire Page: H. 18 9/16 x W. 12 11/16 in. (H. 47.1 x W. 32.2 cm)
Description
After three days and nights of ceaseless snow and terrible cold, everyone in Isfandiyar’s army turned to prayer. Instantly the clouds blew away, and they gave thanks to God. Here, Isfandiyar’s followers prepare for the storm, warming themselves beside campfires and securing their tents. Most scenes in the Shahnama have no reference to weather. Either the sun shines or the stars twinkle in the sky. Here, however, the artist successfully conveys the sense of the beginning of a heavy snowfall against a gray sky
