Arkivism
A scene of the life of Alexander from the Sharaf-nameh
CC0 · no rights reserved

A scene of the life of Alexander from the Sharaf-nameh

1500s · Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This rare scene from the life of Alexander depicts a poor and pious woman falling into a desperate situation and giving birth to a son in some desolate place. Philip, the Macedonian ruler, is on a hunt and passes the ruin. Seeing the deceased woman with a hungry baby by her side, the King orders his followers to tend to the burial of the woman and brings up the orphan making him his crown prince.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineA scene of the life of Alexander from the Sharaf-nameh, 1500s. Iran, probably Shiraz, Safavid period (1501-1722). Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Lori H. Luciano in memory of her parents, Nicholas H. and Rhea A. Luciano, 2021.237
Open in Explore View at source

Similar works

Rider meets a warriorRider meets a warrior "The Servants of One of the Monarchs of Ghur Make Obeisance Before Him", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di"The Servants of One of the Monarchs of Ghur Make Obeisance Before Him", Folio from a Kulliyat (Complete Works) of Sa'di Battle scene between two mounted warriorsBattle scene between two mounted warriors Man carrying a warrior and a horse on his shouldersMan carrying a warrior and a horse on his shoulders Two men on horsebackTwo men on horseback Horseman and a beggarHorseman and a beggar