"Gustaham Slays Lahhak and Farshidvard", Folio 349v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1555

"Gustaham Slays Lahhak and Farshidvard" is a miniature painting from a 16th-century illustrated manuscript of the Shahnama (Book of Kings) by the Persian poet Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. The scene depicts a dramatic moment from the epic poem, where the hero Gustaham, riding a rearing horse, kills two adversaries on horseback. The composition is dynamic and detailed, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors characteristic of Safavid-era Persian painting. This folio, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistry and literary tradition of the Shahnama, a cornerstone of Persian culture.