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Yusuf sees Zulaykha as an old woman, from a manuscript of Yusuf and Zulaykha
Yusuf sees Zulaykha as an old woman, from a manuscript of Yusuf and Zulaykha

Yusuf sees Zulaykha as an old woman, from a manuscript of Yusuf and Zulaykha

Place of OriginIran
Dateapprox. 1550-1600
MaterialsOpaque watercolors and gold on paper
DimensionsH. 15 5/8 in x W. 11 1/4 in, H. 39.7 cm x W. 28.6 cm (overall); H. 9 1/8 in x W. 5 1/2 in, H. 23.2 cm x W. 14.0 cm (image)
Credit LineAcquisition made possible by Paul and Kathleen Bissinger, Peter and Beverly Sinton, and museum purchase
Object number2009.26
DepartmentWest Asian Art
ClassificationsBooks And Manuscripts
On View
Not on view
More Information

This painting illustrates the meeting of the prophet Yusuf (Joseph in the Old Testament) and Zulaykha (his master's wife) after many years. She is shown as a bent and haggard figure addressing Yusuf, who is identifiable by a halo and is seated on a throne.

The prophet Yusuf is celebrated in the Koran, as in earlier Judeo-Christian texts, for his wisdom, patience, and absolute faith. His many trials, first at the hands of his brothers and then by the attempted seductions of Zulaykha, are described. Subsequent literature emphasized Yusuf's prophetic virtue, piety, and beauty.

In 1484-1485 the Persian poet Abd al- Rahman Jami gave the story of Yusuf and Zulaykha a mystical dimension, presenting it as an allegory of the mystic's search for truth and desire for union with God. Zulaykha in her youth was in love with Yusuf's beauty and not his true nature. It was only after she became a poverty-stricken, blind widow and had rejected her previously revered idols, that she earned God's favor and Yusuf's love. Her sight and previous beauty were then restored.