An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
al-Mam’un Proposes Marriage1431
Artist: Baysunghur school
Page from the 'Chahar Magaleh' (Four Discourses also known as 'The Mirror for Princes'. Probably made for Baysonghar, the grandson of Tamarlane. Miniature.
8 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (22.23 x 14.61 cm)
Ink, colors, and gold on paper
Iran
Timurid dynasty (1370–1506)
Bequest of Mrs. Margaret McMillan Webber in memory of her mother, Katherine Kittredge McMillan
In the radiant glow of the 9th-century sun, within the magnificent walls of a resplendent palace, a story began to unfold—one that would weave the threads of knowledge and love into a tapestry of wisdom. This palace, belonging to the illustrious Abbasid caliph al-Mam'un, stood as a beacon of culture and intellect in an era when hearts were guided by the light of learning.
The caliph, noble and contemplative, found himself surrounded by the sagacious whispers of his advisers. Each had a vital role to play: the scribe who meticulously chronicled the deeds of men, the poet whose verses danced like the breeze, the astrologer gazing into the stars to unravel the mysteries of fate, and the physician, a guardian of life and health. This gathering of wise minds created a tapestry of counsel, each thread enriched by their unique gifts—a true reflection of the Persian literary genre known as the "mirror of the princes."
As the days drifted like autumn leaves, a spark ignited within al-Mam'un's heart—an igniting love for his adviser’s daughter. Inspired by her radiant spirit and sharp intellect, he found himself captivated. “Tell me, what is a king without a queen?" he mused, his heart swelling with admiration as he swiftly proposed marriage to her.
Yet she, adorned with both beauty and wisdom, paused to invoke the words of the Qur’an, demanding patience. Her firm literary grounding shone like a beacon, demanding respect in a world often swayed by impulse. Al-Mam'un, enchanted and impressed by her strength, felt compelled to oblige her request. In that moment, the palace felt alive, echoing with the wisdom of ages past, a silent affirmation of the bond between love and learning.
Thus, amid the opulence and grandeur of the palace, a tale emerged—a tale that embraced both the human heart and the pursuit of knowledge, woven together through a love that honored patience and understanding. This was not just the story of a caliph; it was a reflection of the ideals that would inspire generations to come, illuminating the path for those who sought wisdom in matters of the heart and mind.
About the artist
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