The victory of Maʿmun over Amin, Folio from a manuscript of Nigaristan

Author: Ahmad

1573-74 CE/980 AH/AH 980

Ink, opaque watercolour, and gold on paper

Aga Khan Museum

A battle scene unfolds with figures on horseback and on foot engaged in combat. The composition is densely packed with action and vibrant colors. A battle scene unfolds with figures on horseback and on foot engaged in combat. The composition is densely packed with action and vibrant colors. Further Reading This illustration depicts two sons of the Abbasid Caliph, Ma’mun and Amin, engaged in deadly combat. It features a setting typical of Persian miniature painting, particularly during the Timurid period (1370–1507). Here, troops face each other and are set on the left and right hand side of the image, identified by their battle standards. The main battle—in which Ma’mun decapitates Amin—takes place at the middle of the image. A historical figure, Ma’mun woul