"How a Braggart was Drowned in a Well", Folio 33v from a Haft Paikar (Seven Portraits) of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja

Art Historical Context

This exquisite folio, titled *"How a Braggart was Drowned a Well"* (Folio 33v), comes from a lavishly illustrated of the *Haft Paikar*— of the five epic poems Nizami of Ganja's renowned *Khamsa* (Quintet), composed in the 12th century. Created around 1430 by the artist Maulana Azhar, captures a dramatic moment from the tale of Bahram Gur, Sasanian king, whereris leads to a braggart's watery demise in a desert well. Surrounded by sparse trees, distant sands, and figures in dynamic poses, the scene blends moral allegory with vivid storytelling, a hallmark of Persian literature that influenced centuries of Islamic art. Rendered in ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, this Timurid-era miniature exemplifies the refined techniques of 15th-century Persian painting. The petite dimensions—painting just 8⅞ by 4¾ inches—invite intimate contemplation, with gold accents illuminating figures against stylized landscapes. Opaque watercolors create jewel-like intensity, while intricate borders frame the narrative, reflecting the era's patronage of courtly manuscripts under rulers like the Timurids. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department since 1913, this folio highlights the *Khamsa*'s cultural endurance, blending poetry, ethics, and artistry for both edification and delight. Visitors will appreciate how such works bridged text and image, preserving Nizami's wisdom for generations.

About the Artist

Maulana Azhar|Nizami ( | ) · 1450 |1141 –1501 |1209

died 1475/76|present-day Azerbaijan, Ganja 1141–1209 Ganja