scene from a Shah Namah MS by Firdausi, probably painted in Shiraz of Isfahan; the Khagan sends his brother Tuwurg to pursue Curdiya, sister of Bahram Chubina; Curdiya, clad in her brother's armor, parleys with him before she slays him; Paintings - Album

Gordiya Parleys with Tuwurg, 1341

This page, from the same Shahnameh manuscript as the work on the left, shifts the image to the bottom of the six-columned text, demonstrating the variety and visual rhythm of the complete manuscript. The scene depicts the influential Iranian noblewoman Gordiya, seen on horseback on the left. Her late brother Bahram had attempted to seize the throne from the Sasanian emperor Khosrow II (r. 590–628 CE). After Bahram’s defeat, they fled to the court of the emperor of China who insisted on taking Gordiya’s hand in marriage. Unwilling, Gordiya plans her escape; the emperor soon learns of Gordiay’s intentions and sends his military leader, Tuwurg, seen on the right, to bring her back. This painting, with its freewheeling composition of polo-like combat, foreshadows Gordiya’s victory over Tuwrug, and her triumphant return to Iran, where she ultimately marries Khosrow II.

Details
Title
Gordiya Parleys with Tuwurg
Role
Calligrapher
Accession Number
51.37.8
Curator Approved

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scene from a Shah Namah MS by Firdausi, probably painted in Shiraz of Isfahan; the Khagan sends his brother Tuwurg to pursue Curdiya, sister of Bahram Chubina; Curdiya, clad in her brother's armor, parleys with him before she slays him; Paintings - Album