The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 29, no. 8 (April, 1971)

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One of the central plots of the Shah-nameh concerns the wars betweenthe Iranians and the Turanians, their usually villainous rivals. The FivePledges of Bizhan and Giv to Kay Khusraw (Figure 3) illustrates the Iranianshah's offer of rich rewards to a heroic father and son who volunteeredto carry out a series of especially dangerous feats against the enemy. Thepainting can be assigned to about 1525 or slightly later, by which timethe more progressive Safavid artists had contributed to a synthesis betweenthe two major strands of art, those of Tabriz - which we havenoted in the miniature of Tahmuras (back cover)- and of Herat, whichis well represented by Zahhak Faints (Figure 2). Through the overall unityof the picture, we can isolate characteristics of the two traditions. Theforceful rhythms, strongly two-dimensional treatment of carpets, awning,and figures, and boldness of scale look back to Tabriz, while the basicharmoniousness, characterizations, and delicate use of line can be tracedto the influence of Bihzad. The miniature can be assigned to another ofthe leading Safavid artists who was here - as in many of his other picturesdone for the Houghton manuscript- painting in a simplified style, motivatedin part at least by the requirements of a superhumanly vast project.Like the painter of the Tahmuras miniature, he succeeded in inventinga manner of designing and painting that is less time-consuming than hisusual mode without sacrificing quality.3. The Five Pledges of Bizhan and Giv to Kay Khusraw.9 5/16 x 10 7/16 inches. Fol. 225v. 1970. 301.34
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Page 3 and 4: 78 Pictures from a World ofKings, H
Page 5 and 6: The Houghton Shah-nameh is a remark
Page 7 and 8: 1. Tahmuras Defeats the Divs. |. r;
Page 9: 'i7'0,i~lt1-.f I/. soA809/ *, j03,-
Page 13 and 14: One of the most evocative character
Page 15 and 16: ( - - a.:.;15--.i.... i.I Z Ia :1do
Page 17 and 18: A mong other things, the Houghton S
Page 19 and 20: 8. The Assassination of Khusraw Par
Page 21 and 22: The Temperamentof Juan GrisDOUGLAS
Page 23 and 24: Harlequin with Guitar, 1917, by Gri
Page 25 and 26: an overriding classical discipline.
Page 27 and 28: 4 14MChanin Building, 1929122 East
Page 29 and 30: Chrysler Building, 1930405 Lexingto
Page 31 and 32: i ,1, i A,4 1I..i ICI C, CIi I-eIno
Page 33 and 34: i 1**,('iK W'~Hood's Radiator Build
Page 35 and 36: Most of the art of the Cameroon Gra

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, v. 29, no. 8 (April, 1971)

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