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The first lecture of the term in the Cambridge Lectures in Islamic Art series will be given by Professor Charles Melville (Cambridge). The subject is the so-called 'Big Head' Shahnama, produced in Lahijan, in northern Iran, in 1494. This heavily illustrated copy of Firdausi's epic exists principally in two volumes in different libraries in Istanbul, and over 40 folios dispersed in collections worldwide, all removed from the first volume.  His talk sets the context of the creation of this remarkable manuscript, considers the range of artistic styles of the paintings, and the engagement of the artists with the Shahnama's text.

Location: The Nihon Room, Pembroke College; 5.30 on Friday 2 February. Refreshments will be served. All welcome.