"How Rustam Found a Spring", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

ca. 1300–30

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 455

The two miniatures 69.74.8 and 69.74.9 illustrate the first and second of Rustam's seven ordeals. The first depicts the frequently illustrated scene of Rustam's gallant horse Rakhsh killing a lion while the hero sleeps. The subject of the second miniature is, on the other hand, rarely depicted. Rustam and Rakhsh nearly die of heat and thirst in the desert before, with the help of divine providence, they find a spring. Rustam bathes and grooms his faithful steed by the water's edge, as seen here. The painter is very sympathetic to the closeness between the hero and his trustworthy Rakhsh.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: "How Rustam Found a Spring", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
Date: ca. 1300–30
Geography: Attributed to Northwestern Iran or Baghdad
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions: Text block:
H. 6 1/16 in. (15.4 cm)
W. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm)
Painting:
H. 1 3/4 in. (4.5 cm)
W. 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1969
Object Number: 69.74.8
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper — "The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
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