A palace in a book
The palace painted on this page reflects the splendor of the sultan’s palace. Courtiers, guests, and family could revel in the familiar beauty of the colorful tiles and the refined woodwork on the painting, mirroring their own surroundings.
Bihzad’s painting offers a glimpse into the magnificence of the Timurid architecture present in Herat. During the rule of Sultan Husayn Bayqara (r. 1470-1505), urban development in Herat was flourishing and Bihzad was probably not short of sources for inspiration. Bihzad became famous for the way he combined fine patterns with each other in a larger composition.