Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Ashmolean − Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

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Muhammad and Jibril visiting paradise

  • Description

    Images associated with the mi‘raj, the ascension of the Prophet Muhammad to the heavens, are far from rare in the Islamic tradition and appear to have increased in 16th century Iran. This large painting shows an angel and a veiled figure - possibly Jibril and Muhammad - and originally accompanied an illustrated version of Jami’s Tuhfat al-ahrar (The Gift of the Noble).

    Several other classical Persian poems copied and illustrated under the Safavid dynasty (1501-1722) contain references to, and images of, Muhammad’s ascension, suggesting renewed interest in the narratives associated with the Prophet’s life and miracles. The practice of depicting Muhammad veiled and with a flaming halo symbolizing his prophetic light also became common at this time.

  • Details

    Associated place
    Asia Iran (place of creation)
    AsiaIranQazvin Province Qazvin (probable place of creation)
    Date
    c. 1580
    Associated people
    Prophet Muhammad (c. AD 570 - 632) (subject)
    Material and technique
    ink, colour, and gold on paper
    Dimensions
    30.2 x 18.5 cm (height x width)
    Material index
    Technique index
    Object type index
    No. of items
    1
    Credit line
    Bequeathed by Christopher T. Gandy, 2012.
    Accession no.
    EA2012.36

Location

    • currently in research collection

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