"The Harsh Schoolmaster", folio from a Gulistān ("Rose Garden") of Sa'di
Author
Sa'di
(Persian, 1210–1291 or 1292)
Datemid–16th century
Creation PlaceShiraz, Fars, Iran
MediumOpaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper
Dimensions18.3 x 12.5 cm (7 3/16 x 4 15/16 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineBequest of Alexander H. Bullock
Object number1962.180.1
Label TextComposed in 1258, Persian poet Sa'di's Gulistan ("Rose Garden") was titled as such to convey the idea that it would preserve wisdom about the human condition for posterity, unlike a garden of flowers which were subject to decay. Arranged in eight changes, the engaging, amusing, and satirical anecdotes mix prose and poetry to explore themes of love, youth, old age, education, and good conduct.
The story illustrated in this folio concerns a teacher whose “severity … is better than the love of a father.” Replaced briefly by a lenient teacher whose approach prompted students to misbehave and neglect their studies, the harsh schoolmaster regained his job. Here, obedient boys and girls read from books and practice writing while, under the supervision of the schoolmaster, an attendant beats an unruly student’s feet with a stick.
ProvenanceBequest of Alexander H. Bullock, Worcester, MAOn View
Not on view
