Rustam Lassoing his Horse, Rakhsh, in a Landscape (recto)
Unknown Artist
1400s-1500s
Medium
opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
Dimensions
image: 22.6 × 14.7 cm · sheet: 31.1 × 15 cm
Classification
Manuscript
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. MacDonald
Accession Number
1971.305.a
About this artwork
The handsome youth lassoing the feisty colt in this painting is Rustam, the Shahnama's most popular hero. A favorite episode for artists, this event marks a turning point in the fortunes of Iran and offers a wonderful pictorial opportunity. It occurs in a time of trouble for Iran—the throne is empty and a foreign army has invaded the land. The country needs a mighty warrior to fight for her, and the young Rustam is ready for the challenge—once he finds a horse that can bear his enormous weight! ...