Poetry and Prayer: Islamic Manuscripts from the Walters Art Museum

Poetry and Prayer

Islamic Manuscripts from the Walters Art Museum

Poetry Ritual Prayer Recitation Calligraphy Personal Piety Digital Books

W.644: Yusuf and Zulaykha

This manuscript is an anonymous copy of the famous story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife (Yūsuf va Zulaykhā) by Nūr al-Dīn Jāmī (d. 898 AH / 1492 CE), executed in the 10th century AH / 16th CE. It contains three illustrations.






Folio 116a

Folio from an Islamic Manuscript

In this scene, Joseph, identified by a flaming halo, walks into a room, wherein Egyptian women sit and peel fruits with a knife. According to legend, the women were so entranced by Joseph’s incomparable beauty that they inadvertently cut their hands.

Folio 50b

Folio from an Islamic Manuscript

Zulaykha is shown traveling to the house of her future husband, who was chosen for her by her father.