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Woman with a Spray of Flowers
ca. 1575

Safavid period

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
H: 30.9 W: 20.3 D: 0.0 cm
Iran

Purchase--Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds, Smithsonian Collections Acquisition Program, and Dr. Arthur M. Sackler S1986.296

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The verses in the border of this painting seem integral to the composition. They imply the yearning of the lover, represented by the two kneeling youths in the upper and lower corners of the folio, for the beloved.

How long are you going to wound me with grief?
Keep me wondering in the lane of separation?
If in the end you will raise me from dust,
Why do you cast me away like an arrow?