Harith and Imam 'Ali

early 19th century

Painting, in opaque watercolour and gold on paper, Marhab the Jew and his horse severed in two by Zulfiqar, the twin-bladed sword of the first Imam, Ali, who is represented by a fiery splendor on a white horse attended by three angels. Illustration to a copy of the Hamlah-i Haidari of Mizra Rafi Bazil of Delhi. Attached to the miniature are four pages of text (IS.36:3 to 6-1957) relating to the siege and capture of the Jewish stronghold of Khaibar in the Hejaz.