Accession Number1963/1.64
TitleThe Death of Dara, from the Shahnama of Firdausi
Artist(s)IranianArtist NationalityIranianObject Creation Datecirca 1460Medium & Supportink, opaque watercolor, and gold leaf on paperDimensions 10 1/2 in. x 7 in. ( 26.7 cm x 17.8 cm )
Subject matterThe Death of Dara
The ministers came to Sikandar, saying:--
'O Shah victorious and endowed with knowledge!
We have surprised and slain thine enemy;
The crown and throne of chiefs are his no more."
The Ruman's heart and soul
Were filled with rage and gried. On drawing nigh
He gazed upon Dara and saw his breast
All blood, his countenance like fenugreek,
Gave orders to alight and set a guard
O'er those two ministers, and then, dismounting
As swift as wind himself, took on his lap
The wounded monarch's head...
Physical DescriptionThis Persian miniature is attributed to the Shiraz and Timurid schools, ca. 1460. The painting is done in ink, opaque watercolor and gold leaf on paper. The scene,
The Death of Dara, is part of the Shahnama of Firdausi, the Persian book of kings.
Primary Object ClassificationPaintingCollection AreaWesternRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
Iranian Islamic painting styles after the Mongols
Iranian Islamic styles after the Mongols
Persian-Farsi (language)
Shahnama
Timurid
Timurid painting styles
battle
death
gold leaf
gouaches (paintings)
miniatures (paintings)
shahs
watercolor painting (technique)