Shahnameh miniature
Persia, mid 16th century
Size
17 x 28 cm
Materials
steel, iron, brass
Origin
Persia
Dating
16th century
Provenance
Collection of Prince Samad Khan Momtaz
A Persian illuminated folio from the Shahnameh. ‘The letter of Pashang, king of Turan to Kay Qubad, king of Persia'. Iran, second half 16th century. A gathering of four cavaliers in a mountainous landscape. A guard is ready to take out his sword in case the situation escalates. Two men observing the situation and exchanging thoughts. Two birds above them indicate they are whispering. This illustration is by the hand of one of the better Persian artists. The overall execution is very good and the faces and hands, fabrics, horses are very finely drawn. Four columns of calligraphy in nastaliq writing. Minimal wear to the drawing with the bright colours falling out a bit. 28 x 17 cm. Watercolour, ink and gold on paper. From the collection of Prince Samad Khan Momtaz. 'In 1883, Samad Khan Momtaz os-Saltaneh was secretary to the legation of Persia in Paris. Later, he was embassy counsellor in St. Petersburg and participated in the European travels of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar and then Mozaffar ad-Din Shah Qajar. He was the Persian ambassador in Belgium and the Netherlands before being appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador in Paris in April 1905. He remained at this position until March 1926. He never returned to Iran and chose to live in Paris. He was recognized by the French government as counsellor of the Iranian embassy in Paris from 25 March 1946 to 27 September 1951.'
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