Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem |
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Firdawsi encounters the court poets Illustration to the Shahnameh Qazvin, Iran Late 16th century Gouache on paper H: 8.7; W: 17.5 cm Bequest of Yuhanna Dawud, London Accession number: B69.618 |
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According to legend, Firdawsi came to the court of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazna in order to seek patronage for his epic work. At first he was greeted with suspicion by the Sultan’s three court poets, but when he read them his poems they were immediately charmed and acknowledged his great talent. Digital presentation of this object was made possible by: The Ridgefield Foundation, New York, in memory of Henry J. and Erna D. Leir |
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