TEHRAN -- The Fitzwilliam Museum at Cambridge University is playing host to an exhibition entitled “Epic of the Persian Kings: The Art of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh” featuring illustrations inspired by the Shahnameh.

The exhibit, which opened September 11, presents a spectacular range of richly illustrated manuscripts and miniature paintings selected from public and private collections in the UK and includes the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle, the British Museum, the British Library and several others.
The exhibit explores the monumental artistic legacy of one of the world’s greatest literary epics: the 1000 year-old Persian ‘Book of Kings’, or Shahnameh.
“Epic of the Persian Kings” brings together nearly one hundred paintings from these lavishly illustrated manuscripts spanning 800 years, in the most comprehensive exhibition of Shahnameh.
A diverse program of events will accompany the exhibition, from talks and lectures by international authorities on the Shahnameh and creative workshops for all ages, to concerts of Persian music, film and theatrical performances bringing these tales to life.
The exhibition is presented with support from the Iran Heritage Foundation and other organizations, and will run until January 9, 2011.
Photo: A page from a copy of the Shahnameh