"The Battle of Pashan Begins", Folio 243v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
ca. 1530–35
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm) W. 9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm) Page: H. 18 11/16 in. (47.5 cm) W. 12 5/8 in. (32.1 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
1970.301.37
Tags
Art Historical Context
This vibrant folio, "The Battle Pashan Begins"Folio 243v), from the magnificent *Shahnama* (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, crowning achievement of Safavid Persian manuscript art. Created around 1530–35 in the royal atelier of Tabriz, this epic poem by the 11th-century poet Abu'l Qasim Firusi recounts the mythical history of Persian kings and heroes. Illustrated by the skilled artist 'Abd al-Vhab, it captures a chaotic clash of warriors on horseback, embodying the timeless drama of good versus evil in Iran's national epic. The *Shahnama* of Shah Tahmasp, commissioned by the Safavid ruler (r. ...
About the Artist
'Abd al-Vahhab|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian|Iranian) · |0935 – |1020
Iranian|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus