The Big Head Shahnameh


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Aga Khan Museum Object: AKM62 Image
Faridun Spurns the Peace Envoy of Salm and Tur
Folio detached from the Big Head Shahnameh
Iran, Lahijan, Gilan, 1494
Opaque watercolour, gold, and ink on paper
AKM62
At first glance, this picture appears to illustrate a sombre conversation between an enthroned white-bearded elder and two younger men kneeling before him. But a few clues — such as the repentant, lowered head of one of the younger men and the concern shown by the group of attendants — reveal that an intense and bitter family drama is unfolding. Here, the Iranian king Faridun confronts two envoys that his sons, Salm and Tur, have sent to beg their father’s forgiveness. Salm and Tur have murdered their brother Iraj in a plot to inherit his portion of the kingdom and raise rebellion. Faridun will refuse their request, and instead elevate Iraj’s son Manuchihr (depicted as a child seated next to Faridun) to the head of an army that will destroy his uncles.