“Khusraw Spies Shirin Bathing”
Fol. 52r from a manuscript of the Khamseh of Nizami
Romance is sparked when the Iranian prince Khusraw hears a vivid description of the beautiful Armenian princess Shirin, and Shirin, in turn, is shown a portrait of the handsome prince. Shirin sets out in search of Khusraw, pausing partway to bathe in a natural spring. Meanwhile, Khusraw has fled his palace to escape the wrath of his father, King Hormuzd. Disguised in common garb, he discovers a bathing maiden whom he doesn’t recognize, and stops to secretly indulge his gaze. When Shirin notices the young man peering at her, she hides her breasts with her hair and runs away. This iconic scene has been considered by many to be a powerful commentary on the ethics of the male gaze, and remains relevant today.