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Cyrus the Great, Founder of the Persian Empire, killed by Thamaris, Queen of the Massagetai (Miniature)

Boucicaut Master

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Dressed as a warrior, Thamaris, a woman who ruled over a group of nomads who lived to the east of the Caspian Sea, stands over the barrel that catches the blood of her enemy, Cyrus, king of the Medes. An executioner holds Cyrus's head by his hair, while behind him lie the dead bodies of the defeated army. As part of his effort to consolidate his regime's possessions, Cyrus had attempted to subdue the territory of Thamaris. Although he encountered a struggle, he had attacked successfully and captured the queen's son. After her son committed suicide in Cyrus's captivity, Thamaris swore revenge and finally succeeded in both killing Cyrus and defeating his army.

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  • Title: Cyrus the Great, Founder of the Persian Empire, killed by Thamaris, Queen of the Massagetai (Miniature)
  • Creator: Boucicaut Master
  • Date Created: about 1413–1415
  • Location Created: Paris, France
  • Physical Dimensions: Leaf: 42 × 29.6 cm (16 9/16 × 11 5/8 in.)
  • Type: Folio
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Tempera colors, gold leaf, gold paint, and ink on parchment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 96.MR.17.58
  • Culture: French
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. 63, fol. 58
  • Creator Display Name: Boucicaut Master Illuminator (French, active about 1390 - 1430)
  • Classification: Manuscripts (Documents)
The J. Paul Getty Museum

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