Iran / Persia: 'The Fainting of Laylah and Majnun', from the Third Book of Nizami's 'Khamsah' (Quintet), Shiraz, later 16th century

This painting depicts a well-known passage from the story of Layla and Majnun described in the third book of Nizami's 'Khamsah or 'Quintet'. Separated by their respective tribes' hostility, forced marriage, and years of exile into the wilderness, the two ill-fated lovers meet again for the last time before their deaths thanks to the intervention of Majnun's elderly messenger.

On seeing each other in a palm-grove outside Layla's camp, they both faint of passion and pain. The old messenger attempts to revive the lovers, while the wild animals protect Majnun by attacking unwarranted intruders.

The location and time of the narrative is suggested by the two tents dressed in the middleground and the dark night sky in the background. The composition's style is typical of paintings made in the city of Shiraz during the second half of the 16th century.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History