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

A second picture presented by Mr. Houghton recounts the incident ofa tyrant, Zahhak, who has fainted after hearing a wise man's interpretationof a terrifying nightmare: a warrior, as yet unborn, would carry outthe horrors of his dream (Figure 2). It reveals the strong impact of Bihzadupon a leading Tabriz artist. Although far larger and more complex thanany of the pictures in the Leningrad 'Arifi manuscript written by PrinceTahmasp himself in 1523, it is so stylistically akin as to seem of the samedate. Unless we look closely at such details as the figures leaning over thefence toward the right side of the composition (cover), which are paintedwith the same earthy humor and sketchiness found in Tahmuras Defeatsthe Divs (back cover), we might be tempted to assign this picture toBihzad himself. The minutely brushed, small-scale figures, logically arrangedarchitecture and personages, naturalistic characterizations, andrestrained palette are the work of a brilliant Tabriz artist striving to beatthe Herat master at his own game.2. Zahhak Hears His Fate, and Faints. 12 7/8 x 7 3/16 inches. Fol. 29v. 1970.301.4