Collection Online as of December 1, 2023
Siyavush on His Horse Hitting a Rolling Target (recto) and Persian verses (verso), from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940–1019 or 1025)
Part of a set. See all set records
Iran, Shiraz, Timurid period
(1370-1501)
Opaque watercolor, silver, gold, and ink on paper
Gift of Heeramaneck Galleries 1942.871
Location
not on view
Description
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.