Solomon takes advice from the animals, from Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i-Suhayli)

Solomon takes advice from the animals, from Lights of Canopus (Anvar-i-Suhayli)

Illuminated manuscript taken from the 13th century copy of the "Anvar-i Suhayli", (The Lights of Canopus). In this illustration, the wisdom of King Solomon is portrayed through his ability to converse with all mankind and creatures, including animals. Solomon's depiction of wisdom through the use of animals is a common storytelling tactic in Persian and Islamic depictions of the wise king. The following excerpt from the Chester Beatty Online Collection provides further detail for the depicted scene: "One day, he had the opportunity to drink the water of life, and to live forever. Hesitating, he decided first to take advice from the animals and birds. They all gathered at his court, and discussed the great decision. The heron advised the king not to choose immortality. There was only enough water for one person, the bird said, so if Solomon were to drink it, then he would outlive everyone he loved."

Dhanu (painter)

Manuscript of "Lights of Canopus" (Anvar-i-Suhayli); Agra, India

Chester Beatty Museum, Dublin (Online Collections)

1595-1600 (Mughal India

Chester Beatty Online Collections

Creative Commons

illuminated manuscript

Persian in Nasta'liq script