Farid al-Din `Attar

Farid al-Din `Attar is associated with a significant corpus of illuminated manuscripts focused on his famous epic poem, the Mantiq al-Tayr (Language of the Birds). His influence is documented through works spanning a long period of production, with extant folios dated between 1461 and 1575. This chronological range reflects the ongoing tradition of illustrating and copying his text across the centuries.

Twelve manuscripts related to Farid al-Din `Attar are held in museum collections, confirming the historical and artistic importance of these illustrated literary works. These holdings include numerous folios and pages of calligraphy, demonstrating proficiency in both fine illumination and skilled manuscript production characteristic of the era.

Specific works preserved in collections such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art include detailed miniatures that visualize the complex narrative of the poem. Notable examples represented in the collection are "Shaikh Mahneh and the Villager", Folio 49r, and "The Beggar who Professed his Love for a Prince", Folio 28r, along with the folio titled "Allusion to Sura 27:16". The specific inclusion of a documented Page of Calligraphy further emphasizes the dual importance of script and illustration in the tradition of Farid al-Din `Attar.

These detailed historical illustrations frequently enter the public domain due to their age, making them valuable resources for scholars and enthusiasts seeking high-quality prints of significant manuscript art.