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Siyavush on His Horse Hitting a Rolling Target, from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940–1019 or 1025) (recto) — Iran, Shiraz, Timurid period (1370-1501)

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Written by: Murat ÖzdemirResearcher · Islamic & Ottoman Arts
Illumination (Tezhip) · Catalogue no. 35252
Iran, Shiraz, Timurid period (1370-1501)

Siyavush on His Horse Hitting a Rolling Target, from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940–1019 or 1025) (recto)

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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A prince from Iran’s early legendary history, Siyavush was sent by his father, the shah, to train under the great warrior Rustam in the arts of hunting, archery, and horseback riding. In this painting, Siyavush demonstrates his considerable skill by hitting the bulls eye on a rolling target from horseback. The gold sky, pastel ground with grassy tufts, and dense leafy riverbank are distinctive features of Persian painting during this period.

Artist / MakerIran, Shiraz, Timurid period (1370-1501)
Datelate 1400s
Culture / OriginIran, Shiraz, Timurid period (1370-1501)
MediumOpaque watercolor, silver, gold, and ink on paper
DimensionsImage: 8.6 x 16.1 cm (3 3/8 x 6 5/16 in.); Overall: 32.4 x 21.6 cm (12 3/4 x 8 1/2 in.); Text area: 22.6 x 16.1 cm (8 7/8 x 6 5/16 in.)
DepartmentIslamic Art
TypeManuscript
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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