"Rustam's Fourth Course, He Cleaves a Witch", Folio 120v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
ca. 1525
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 11 3/16 in. (28.5 cm) W. 7 5/16 in. (18.6 cm) Page: H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm) W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm) Mat: H. 22 in. (55.9 cm) W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.17
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking folio from the Shahnameh, or Book of Kings, captures a dramatic moment in the legendary adventures of the Persian hero Rustam. Created around 1525 as part of a lavish manuscript commissioned by Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp, the scene illustrates the epic poem by Abu’l Qasim Firdausi. In this fourth “course,” Rustam confronts and cleaves a shape-shifting witch, embodying themes of courage and the triumph of good over deception that have captivated audiences for centuries. Painted by the artist Qadimi in opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper, the work exemplifies the ref...
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