AN ILLUMINATED ALBUM PAGE: ANGELS BOWING BEFORE THE NEWLY CREATED ADAM, PERSIA OR INDIA, 17TH CENTURY |

gouache heightened with gold on paper, laid down on album page with gold borders decorated with animals and vegetation, verses in black nast’aliq

In reasonably good condition, some folds affecting mainly the lower side of the painting, losses and minor areas of retouching, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This album page depicts a rare scene, the birth of Adam. The angels, all but Iblis, are represented bowing before God’s creation, who lies naked on a floweing grass. Above the painting is written verse thirty from surah al-Hijr (XV): "So the angels prostrated - all of them entirely (v.31: except Iblis, he refused to be with those who prostrated)”. Couplets of poetry from Nizami’s Makhzan al-Asrar and another undefined work are also reproduced above and below.  A similar scene is listed on f.9b of the Majalis al-Ushshak in the catalogue of the Persian manuscripts in the British Library (Or.11837; Safavid Persia, Shiraz, circa 1560s, Titley 1977).