Sultan Sanjar and the Old Woman
Arts of the Islamic World
On View: Arts of the Islamic World, 2nd floor
The lyrical paintings of this poetic cycle depict love stories from the classic works of celebrated Iranian poets, biblical and Qur’anic episodes, and hunting vignettes. Collectively, they stand as valuable documents of the original architectural formats and narrative programs of eighteenth-century domestic interiors. The reconstruction below illustrates how this painting cycle would have been displayed in its original context, which would have been a residence or a pleasure or hunting pavilion built during the Zand period (1750–1779). Such works were viewed as visual complements for poetry that the hosts, their guests, or storytellers would recite to entertain one another at convivial gatherings in intimate settings. Although the compositions of these works are derived from manuscript painting, their treatment differs considerably; the scale of the figures in relation to the background is larger, while the number of figures and degree of ornamental patterning is reduced.
MEDIUM
Oil on canvas
DATES
mid 18th century
DYNASTY
Zand
PERIOD
Zand
ACCESSION NUMBER
1997.108.4
CREDIT LINE
Bequest of Irma B. Wilkinson in memory of her husband, Charles K. Wilkinson
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1929, provenance not yet documented; before circa 1929, acquired by Ernst Emil Herzfeld of Tehran, Iran; before 1948, purchased from Ernst Emil Herzfeld by Charles K. Wilkinson of New York, NY; 1986, inherited from Charles K. Wilkinson by Irma Bezold Wilkinson (Mrs. Charles K. Wilkinson) of New York; October 16, 1997, bequeathed by Irma Bezold Wilkinson to the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CAPTION
Sultan Sanjar and the Old Woman, mid 18th century. Oil on canvas, 36 x 35 in. (91.4 x 88.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Irma B. Wilkinson in memory of her husband, Charles K. Wilkinson, 1997.108.4 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1997.108.4_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1997.108.4_IMLS_SL2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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