Killing of Siyavush before Afrasyab - Lot 206

Killing of Siyavush before Afrasyab Illuminated page from a Shahnama (or Book of Kings) of Ferdowsi Ink, polychrome pigments and gold on paper India, Delhi, second half of the 18th century Sight page : 23.5 by 38.3 cm Provenance : Joseph Soustiel Gallery (1904-1990) he worked in the gallery of the bvd Haussmann in Paris from 1935 until 1983 This page illustrates an episode from the book of kings in which we witness the murder of Siyavush son of Kay Kavus, he refused to betray his father following the advances of his stepmother whom he spurned, and was executed by Afrasyab despite his innocence. His son Kay Khosrow will avenge him and restore his innocence. This page with gold margins has been partly repainted on the margins in polychrome and gold around the central image, with a beautiful quality of execution and characteristic of the Dehli style. A fine nastaliq' calligraphy inscribed in golden clouds has been mounted on the back.