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Solomon takes advice from the animals, from Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i-Suhayli) Item Info

Illuminated manuscript taken from the 13th century copy of the "Anvar-i Suhayli", (The Lights of Canopus). In this illustration, the wisdom of King Solomon is portrayed through his ability to converse with all mankind and creatures, including animals. Solomon's depiction of wisdom through the use of animals is a common storytelling tactic in Persian and Islamic depictions of the wise king. The following excerpt from the Chester Beatty Online Collection provides further detail for the depicted scene: "One day, he had the opportunity to drink the water of life, and to live forever. Hesitating, he decided first to take advice from the animals and birds. They all gathered at his court, and discussed the great decision. The heron advised the king not to choose immortality. There was only enough water for one person, the bird said, so if Solomon were to drink it, then he would outlive everyone he loved."
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Title:
Solomon takes advice from the animals, from Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i-Suhayli)
Creator:
Dhanu
Date Created:
1595
Accurate Dates:
1595-1600 (Mughal India)
Description:
Illuminated manuscript taken from the 13th century copy of the "Anvar-i Suhayli", (The Lights of Canopus). In this illustration, the wisdom of King Solomon is portrayed through his ability to converse with all mankind and creatures, including animals. Solomon's depiction of wisdom through the use of animals is a common storytelling tactic in Persian and Islamic depictions of the wise king. The following excerpt from the Chester Beatty Online Collection provides further detail for the depicted scene: "One day, he had the opportunity to drink the water of life, and to live forever. Hesitating, he decided first to take advice from the animals and birds. They all gathered at his court, and discussed the great decision. The heron advised the king not to choose immortality. There was only enough water for one person, the bird said, so if Solomon were to drink it, then he would outlive everyone he loved."
Subjects:
illumination manuscript solomon
Location:
Agra, India
Latitude:
27.178593782867935
Longitude:
78.0088478084135
Source:
Manuscript of "Lights of Canopus" (Anvar-i-Suhayli); Chester Beatty Online Collections
Source Identifier:
In 04.74
Type:
Image;StillImage
Format:
image/jpeg
Source
Preferred Citation:
"Solomon takes advice from the animals, from Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i-Suhayli)", A Robe By Any Other Name,
Reference Link:
https://bethabr.github.io/a-robe-by-any-other-name/items/eadata007.html
Rights
Rights:
Creative Commons
Standardized Rights:
https://chesterbeatty.ie/about/copyright-2/
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