"Rustam Pained Before Kai Kavus", Folio 146r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
ca. 1525–30
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 11 3/16 in. (28.4 cm) W. 7 9/16 in. (19.2 cm) Entire Page: H. 18 9/16 in. (47.1 cm) W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.22
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite folio, titled *Rustam Pained Before Kavus* (Folio 146r), from the magnificent *Shahnama* (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp a lavish 16th-century manuscript of the Persian national epic by poet Abu'l Qasim Firda. Created around 1525–30 by the artist Bashdan Qara it captures a dramatic moment from the epic tale: the mighty hero Rustam, wounded and grieving, stands before the arrogant king Kai Kavus. Produced during the Safavid dynasty in Persia (modern Iran), this page reflects the height of royal patronage for illuminated manuscripts, blending poetry, history, and legend to celebra...
About the Artist
Bashdan Qara|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian|Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1560 |1020
Iranian, active ca. 1525–1535|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus