"The Concourse of the Birds", Folio 11r from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds)

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Islamic Art galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art where we encounter the enchanting "The Concourse of the," Folio 11r from a lavishly illustrated manuscript of *Mantiq al-Tayr* (Language of the) by the 12th-century Persian Sufi poet Farid al-Din `Attar. This ca. 1600 painting, created by the skilled miniaturist Habiballah of Sava during the Safavid era, depicts a vibrant gathering of birds—cranes, ducks, peacocks, roosters—and human figures in a poetic assembly. `Attar's allegorical epic recounts the birds' quest for their mythical king, the Simurgh, symbolizing the soul's spiritual journey toward divine union, a cornerstone of Sufi mysticism. Rendered in ink with opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper, this folio exemplifies the exquisite finesse of Persian miniature painting. Delicate gold accents illuminate feathers and landscapes, while rich colors and intricate details capture the harmony of nature and the divine. As part of a codex—a bound manuscript tradition—the artwork reflects centuries-old Islamic book arts, blending poetry, calligraphy, and illustration into a unified devotional object. This piece, acquired through the Fletcher Fund in 1963, invites us to ponder timeless themes of aspiration and unity, bridging 17th-century Persia with universal human longing. (198 words)