Detail of “A Lover’s Plea”

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Many paintings in the Persian tradition contain hidden references that expand their meaning. In this illustration, the artist appears to liken the anonymous young beloved in the poem to the Biblical and Qur’anic figure of Joseph (Yusuf), son of Jacob (Ya’qub). Considered the epitome of beauty in the Persian literary tradition, Yusuf is often remembered for resisting the advances of his master's wife Zulaykha, just like the youth in this illustration.