Depiction of Investiture of Ardashir I
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Ink |
| Current Location: | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York |
| Location History: | According to the Baron de Bode, Louise de la Marnierre (1781-1840), often mentioned as Madame de La Marinière, presented it to Muhammad Shah Qajar, presumably sometime between 1838 and 1840; likely acquired by Rudolf Gelpke (1928-1972) during one of his stays in Iran in 1958, 1960, or 1963-71; after 1972, with Rudolf Gelpke's descendants in Switzerland; purchased by Sam Fogg, Ltd. at Christie’s, London 26 October 2017, Sale 14218, Lot 19; acquired by the Museum in 2019, purchased from Sam Fogg, Ltd., London. |
I for one, have been truly mesmerized by this work. Up until now most of the artwork that I have come across has been an European perspective of the society, aristocracy, common pople's life and landscapes. However, looking at this Sassanian era rock relief has made me realise the long journey we all have been a part of. Persian culture holds great similarities with the Indus civilisation, say for example the pious meaning of fire in their faith which is connected to Ahura Mazda. These rock reliefs are not only stories but they also provide us substantial evidence to connect the dots and reach closer to the history. The Persian writings on the right side, in probably Nastaliq calligraphy describes the event that took place. The small figures below the ring seems to be holding straight wooden stick and the latter a crooked stick, possibly this might hold some symbolism in the culture or in regards to the deity.