Alexander the Great in Persian tradition, with miniatures

Nizami Ganjavi. Iqbal-nama.

€ 25,000.00

Alexander the Great in the 16th century Muslim manuscript tradition: Nizami Ganjavi's "Iqbal-nama", comprising half of his poetic "Eksandar-nama" and illustrated with three fine Qajar miniatures showing hunting scenes and a particularly striking battle with demons or djinns. "The Alexander of the Persian romances is much more colorful than his Western counterpart [...] Nizami celebrates him first as a king and conqueror, then as a sage and a prophet. In 'Iskandarnamah', in addition to being a zealous Moslem, Alexander becomes an ardent lover with numerous wives and concubines" (Southgate).

Paired with the "Saraf-nama", which tells the stories of Alexander's life and travels, the "Iqbal-nama" focuses on Alexander as the scholar-king, who can hold his own in debates with the greatest of Greek and Indian philosophers, follow extensive discussions of the creation of the universe, and set the standard for all kings and princes to follow. This allows Nizami, one of the greatest Persian poets in history, to stretch his talents: "Whereas the Šaraf-nama clearly belongs to the tradition of Persian epic poetry [...] in the Eqbal-nama he shows his talents as a didactic poet, an anecdotist and a miniaturist" (Enc. Iranica).

This manuscript, beautifully illustrated, is a fantastic 16th century example of the "Iqbal-nama" (with later and quite fine Qajar illustrations); its colophon, though with the final digit of its date obscured, dates it to the 970s Hijri (1562-71 CE). Thus, a quite early and beautiful copy, uncommon on the market from this date.