"Giv Avenges Bahram by Slaying Tazhav", Folio 248r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
ca. 1525–30
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 7 in. (17.8 cm) W. 6 3/4 in. (17.2 cm) Entire Page: H. 18 11/16 in. (47.5 cm) W. 12 11/16 in. (32.2 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.39
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the dramatic folio "Giv Avenges Bah by Slaying Taz" (Folio 248r), a jewel from the *Shahnama* (Book of Kings) of Tahmasp, the jewel of Safavid Persian manuscript art. Created around 1525–30 in the royal workshops of Tabriz, this page illustrates a pivotal moment from Abu'l Qasim Firda's epic 10th-century poem, national saga of ancient kings and heroes. Here, the warrior Giv exacts revenge for his comrade Bahram's death by striking down the villainous Tazhav amid a chaotic battlefield swirl—evoking themes of loyalty, vengeance, and martial glory, hinted at by tags like battles, army, and...
About the Artist
Qadimi|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian|Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1590 |1020
Iranian, active ca. 1525–1565|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus