"The Anecdote of the Man Who Fell into the Water", Folio 44r from a Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds) 1452 - 1512

"The Anecdote of the Man Who Fell into the Water" was created in the late fifteenth or early sixteenth century by Sultan 'Ali al-Mashhadi and illustrates a story from Farid al-Din 'Attar's "Language of the Birds," a Sufi allegory about the soul's journey to enlightenment. Within the broader context of Islamic manuscript illumination, this painting offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the time, reflecting both religious and artistic traditions. The story itself, about a man who falls into water, can be interpreted on many levels. Is it about the potential for disaster, or a moment of transformation? The painting's composition guides us through the narrative, from the hapless figure submerged in water to the collective effort of the community to rescue him. The image captures a sense of human interdependence and shared destiny.