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"Suhrab Slain by Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1610
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 463
The hero Rustam was unaware that he had a son, Suhrab, by Princess Tahmina. It came to pass that the two met in battle, fighting on opposing sides. They struggled in single combat until Rustam stabbed Suhrab fatally. Rustam realized that he had slain his own son when he saw Suhrab’s arm bracelet, which he himself had given to Tahmina many years before. Tahmina had given it to Suhrab before the battle, hoping it would protect him.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Suhrab Slain by Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
  • Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
  • Date: ca. 1610
  • Geography: Attributed to India, Deccan, Bijapur
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
    W. 4 13/16 in. (12.2 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
    W. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jeffrey Kossak, The Kronos Collections, 1985
  • Object Number: 1985.404.1
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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