Painting of Khusraw in battle; Shirin looks for Khusraw

Painting of Khusraw in battle; drawn from Nizami's "Khamsah" (Quintet) entitled "Khusraw va Shirin", text written in Nasta'liq but the paining and work is from the 20th Cent. Dimensions of Painting: 13.8 (w) x 17 (h) cm. Dimensions of Written Surface: 13.9 (w) x 20.8 (h) cm The original text, executed in black nasta'liq script in four columns, may date as early as the 16th century, although it also may be a modern reproduction. The painting does not appear to match the text, which describes Shirin's search for Khusraw (1-87-154.124 V). Probably inserted during the 20th century, the composition depicts soldiers on horseback attacking their fleeing enemies with drawn swords. One soldier holds an orange war banner as well. The text on the verso describes Shirin's search for Khusraw, which is written in red ink (raftan Shirin bi-talab-i Khusraw) in the chapter heading on the right of the third line of text. The verses are written in black nasta'liq script in four columns, divided by three gutters marked off by gold painted vertical lines. The text panel is framed by lines of several colors. This painting depicts a battle scene between two armies inserted into the third book of Nizami's "Khamsah" (Quintet) entitled "Khusraw va Shirin". In this book, the adventures and battles of the Persian king Khusraw are described, as is his love for the Armenian princess Shirin. Script: nasta'liq 1-87-154.124