"Khusrau Catches Sight of Shirin Bathing", Folio 50 from a Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja 1500 - 1550

This Persian miniature painting, "Khusrau Catches Sight of Shirin Bathing", is a folio from a 16th-century illustrated manuscript of Nizami's *Khamsa* (Quintet). It depicts the scene from the epic poem *Khusrau and Shirin* where the Persian prince, Khusrau, unexpectedly catches sight of his beloved, Shirin, bathing. This illustration showcases the vibrant colors and detailed figures typical of Persian miniature painting, and reflects a rich tradition of visual storytelling that developed over centuries. The scene unfolds in a lush landscape, with a rocky hillside and a flowering tree providing a backdrop for the dramatic encounter. This painting, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into the artistic and literary world of Safavid Persia.