Connection and Discontinuity of Shahnameh Writing in Shiraz Al-Inju and Al-Muzaffar Schools

Problem Definition:

 Among the masterpieces of Persian literature, Shahnameh of Hakim Abulqasem Ferdowsi has a special place in visual arts because this epic and national work has been illustrated various times by the capable and master painters of this region. Each of these works is one of the most important documents to know the artistic characteristics of that period. Among the painting schools of Iran, the remaining works from the schools of Shiraz in the 8th century A.H. during the reigns of Al-Inju and Al-Muzaffar are very important because of the starting point of illustrating Shahnameh and the variety of existing works. Based on this, the present research addresses the following question: In the illustrated Shahnamehs of the two schools of Al-Inju and Al-Muzaffar, despite the existence of various illustrated versions and the symmetry of the common time and place in creating the works, what similarities and significant differences are clear in the way of illustrating the works of the two schools?

The present research aims to identify the connection and discontinuity between images by comparative study and comparison of the visual and structural structures of the joint assemblies in the illustrated Shahnamehs of the two periods of Al-Inju and Al-Muzaffar.

In the current research, descriptive-analytical method with comparative approach was used and the information of this research was collected as library-documents.

The findings of the current research show that obvious similarities can be seen in the layout, composition and details of the images of these Shahnamehs; However, the improvement of the quality level of painting such as the increase of details, elegance and accuracy in design and diversity in movements is more visible in Al-Muzaffar period.