拍品專文
Folio 2v. states that this work was commissioned by Shah Abbas II, and that prior to this no account of the battles of 'Ali had ever been written.
The miniatures are of very high quality. All concern either battles or scenes of single combat, except for the first miniature which depicts an attempt on the life of the Prophet. This miniature (f.32r.) is also the only one to have been substantially repinted in Qajar times, when this manuscript was also remargined and the illuminated opening bifolio was added.
With this exception, the miniatures are largely in original condition. Various artists contributed and, as a result of remargining, any signatures have been lost. However, there are at least two clearly defined painting styles in evidence here, the most important of which are ff.57v., 103r., 192r., 203r., 213r. and 221r., which would appear to be the work of Mu'in Musawwir (active 1635-1697) and/or his followers.
The second painting style is evident in ff.33v., 43v., 48r., 50r., 86v., 153r., and 234r., and is almost certainly the work of Muhammad 'Ali another follower of Reza and a contemporary of Mu'in. Typical here are the highly stylized rock formations, the naturalistically drawn flowers and the distinctive colours and faces.
The remaining miniatures can be less easily defined, though all are good examples of the Isfahan school.
The miniatures are of very high quality. All concern either battles or scenes of single combat, except for the first miniature which depicts an attempt on the life of the Prophet. This miniature (f.32r.) is also the only one to have been substantially repinted in Qajar times, when this manuscript was also remargined and the illuminated opening bifolio was added.
With this exception, the miniatures are largely in original condition. Various artists contributed and, as a result of remargining, any signatures have been lost. However, there are at least two clearly defined painting styles in evidence here, the most important of which are ff.57v., 103r., 192r., 203r., 213r. and 221r., which would appear to be the work of Mu'in Musawwir (active 1635-1697) and/or his followers.
The second painting style is evident in ff.33v., 43v., 48r., 50r., 86v., 153r., and 234r., and is almost certainly the work of Muhammad 'Ali another follower of Reza and a contemporary of Mu'in. Typical here are the highly stylized rock formations, the naturalistically drawn flowers and the distinctive colours and faces.
The remaining miniatures can be less easily defined, though all are good examples of the Isfahan school.