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Thumbnail-size images of copyrighted artworks are displayed under fair use, in accordance with guidelines recommended by the Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for the Visual Arts, published by the College Art Association in February 2015.
Imam Ali and Ras al Ghul
Egyptian
20th Century
Medium/Technique
Chromolithograph
Dimensions
Height x width: 40.2 × 57.3 cm (15 13/16 × 22 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Edwin E. Jack Fund
Accession Number2023.52
NOT ON VIEW
With the rise of print media in Egypt in the 19th century came printing, in addition to books, posters. They often portrayed religious, political or literary scenes. This one centers Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's nephew and the first Shi'i imam, battling Ras al Ghul.
DescriptionImam Ali bin Abi Talib fights Ras al Ghul while on horseback, striking Ras al Ghul down across the head with his sword. Figures are labeled with black riqqa Arabic-script.
ProvenanceAbout 1930s/1940s, probably acquired by the library of the Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles; 1990s, sold by the library of the Philosophical Research Society to Sam Fogg, Ltd., London; 2022, consigned by Sam Fogg to N.G. McBurney (bookseller), London; 2023, sold by N. G. McBurney to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 15, 2023)