A Comparative Study of the Relationship between Text and Image in the Scene of Zahak’s Hanging Illustration in the Baysonghory, Ibrahim Soltan and Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnameh (The Book of Kings)

Abstract :
The Baysonghory, Ibrahim Soltan and the Tahmasebi Shahnameh are among the most important illustrations of the Shahnameh, each of which is created with the principles of artistic quality and aesthetic taste of the time. Also, Ser pent Zahhak’s (King Zahhak with Snakes Protruding from His Shoulders) hanging scene was depicted in the three Shahnameh. This research answers these questions by comparing and reviewing the relationship between text and image in this Illustration and studying the similarities and differences using descriptive-analytical method with a comparative approach. 1: What techniques have been used by painters for text and image loyalty in depicting Zahhak’s hanging illustration? 2: What are the similarities and differences between Zahhak’s hanging illustrations in three versions of Baysonghory, Ibrahim Soltan and Shah Tahmasp Shahnameh? The data of this research have been collected through library resources and observation of works. The results indicate that the dualism of ancient Persians is the basis of the creation of images, but the way it appears in versions is different. The image qualities and the properties of the elements of the Tahmasebi Shahnameh illustration imply on an approximate loyalty to the original text. From the similarity of three illustrations, can be noted to loyalty to the principles of the arts of the time and from the clear differences of three illustrations can be noted to scenography, the composition and the number of elements.

Keywords : Serpent Zahhak, Baysonghory’s Shahnameh, Ibrahim Soltan’s Shahnameh, Shah Tahmasp’s Shahnameh, Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh.