A battle between Timur and Muzaffaradins, Folio from a manuscript of Nigaristan

• Accession Number:AKM272.f258r
• Creator:Author: Ahmad b. Muhammad Ghaffari, Persian, died 1567 Scribe: Ahmad al-Shirazi
• Place:Iran, Shiraz (probably)
• Dimensions:38.7 cm × 25 cm × 6.4 cm
• Date:1573-74 CE/980 AH/AH 980
• Materials and Technique:Ink, opaque watercolour, and gold on paper

• The miniature painting "A battle between Timur and Muzaffaradins" is from an intact manuscript of Kitab-i Nigaristan, a collection of anecdotes and historical incidents written in prose by the historian and scholar Ahmad Muhammad Ghaffari (1504–1567/68) of Kashan in 1551–2. This illustrated manuscript, dated 1573, was probably produced in a Shiraz workshop. 

   

  See AKM272 for more information about the manuscript and links to the other illustrations. 

    

Further Reading 
 
The main scene in this illustration portrays a duel taking place in a meadow. The picture plane is divided into three diagonal levels. The viewers of the scene are on the upper and lower levels, while the middle level shows the actual fighting scene between two men on horses. Both warriors sit astride a horse and wear armour, a helmet, and a sword. The steed on the right wears yellow armour, but the other wears no protection. 
 
According to the text, this illustration depicts a battle between the Muzaffarid ruler and Timur in 1392. Timur’s life was saved from the deadly sword of the enemy because, after the troops had fled, he could not be recognized and was released.  
 
Battle scenes like these are among the favourite scenes depicted in miniature paintings. Typically, they present a setting where two mounted heroes face each other while their troops are behind them and on two opposing sides of the illustration. 
 
- Elika Palenzona-Djalili 

 
References 
Sims, Eleanor. Peerless Images: Persian Painting and Its Sources. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780300090383