Analyzing the Painting of “The Story of Yusof & Zoleikha” by Kamal al-Din Behzad According to Transtextuality Theory of Gerard

Transtextuality theory of Gerard Genette offered a systematic classification in the field of intertextuality studies. This theory includes five main parts: Intertextuality, Paratextuality, Metatextuality, Architextuality and Hypertextuality. In this article one of Kamal al-Din Behzad’s artworks, namely “The Story of Yusof & Zoleikha” has been analyzed by these five parts of Transtextuality theory, in order to identify various dimensions of the painting. The questions are: Which one of Genette’s transtextuality applies to the painting of “The Story of Yusof & Zoleikha”? As a visual text, how is this painting to be identified in the transtextuality relationships? The method of this article is descriptiveanalytical and the data collection is library-based. Findings of the research show that the painting has definite intertextuality, like Quran, Bustan of Sa’di, Yusof & Zoleikha of Jami, and the implicit and visual intertextuality are seen in its forms and colors. The painting has moral-didactic architextuality. All interpretations and reviews related to this painting could be regarded as its metatextuality while it provides several paratextuality as well. This artwork is also considered as a hypertextuality that includes transposition.