"Yusuf before the Ladies of Cairo", Folio from Yusuf and Zulaykha

Art Historical Context

Step into the luminous world of 16th-century Islamic manuscript art with this exquisite folio, *Yusuf before the Ladies of Cairo*, the renowned romance *Yusuf and Zulaykha*. Created by an unknown artist in the second half of the16th century, it captures a pivotal moment from the Persian poem by Jami, inspired by Quranic tales of the prophet Yusuf (Joseph). Here, the strikingly handsome Yusuf is presented before the ladies of Cairo, who, entranced by his beauty while he cuts fruit, accidentally injure themselves—a vivid illustration of divine allure and human frailty. Rendered in ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper (measuring 8 11/16 x 5 11/16 inches), the folio exemplifies the refined techniques of Persianate miniature painting. Delicate lines define elegant figures and intricate patterns, while vibrant colors and shimmering gold heighten the scene's drama, characteristic of Safavid-era codices. As a single page from an illuminated manuscript, it showcases the codex tradition's blend of storytelling, portraiture, and ornamental detail, with motifs of men, food, and poised expressions drawing viewers into the narrative. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department (gift of Richard Ettinghausen, 1975), this work highlights the cultural prestige of *Yusuf and Zulaykha* in the Islamic world, where such folios served as both devotional and literary treasures, bridging poetry, piety, and artistry.