Imagining Power: Shahzaman and Shahrbaz

In “Imagining Power: Shahzaman and Shahrbaz,” the initial seven illustrations within the first volume of the manuscript are explored. The analyzed visual frames in this chapter depict Shahrbaz’s shifting emotions and subsequent mistreatment of women. The repeated theme in these illustrations revolves around the portrayal of power and its (in)efficacy. To achieve this, Sani‘ ol-Molk relies on viewers’ expectations and their ability to discern the social and cultural norms of the time. He draws from Qajar society and culture to establish a visual connection with the audience. An example of this is the representation of Shahrbaz and Shahzaman as beardless kings in these illustrations, symbolizing their powerlessness within the palace wall.