"Timur before Battle", Folio from a Dispersed Copy of the Zafarnama (Book of Victories) of Sharaf al-din 'Ali Yazdi 1411 - 1461

This folio, depicting "Timur before Battle", comes from a dispersed copy of the Zafarnama, or "Book of Victories," by Sharaf al-din 'Ali Yazdi, dating back to the 15th century. Executed in ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper, the painting represents a culmination of skills. The vibrant pigments, ground from minerals, plants, and insects, were meticulously applied in thin, translucent layers, a hallmark of Persian miniature painting. Burnishing the gold leaf would have been a labor-intensive task. The paper itself, likely handmade, would have provided a smooth surface for the detailed linework and delicate brushstrokes. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, this folio speaks to the patronage system that supported artistic production in the Timurid era. Highly skilled artisans labored under royal command to create objects that glorified their patrons. Examining the materials and methods used in its creation reveals the social and cultural significance embedded within this artwork, blurring boundaries between fine art and craft.