"Bahram Chubina Slays the Lion-Ape", Folio 715v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1505 - 1560

This vibrant page, "Bahram Chubina Slays the Lion-Ape," was made around 1525-1535 as part of the Shahnama, or Book of Kings, using opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper. The painting is incredibly intricate, every detail meticulously rendered, from the hero’s armor to the fantastical landscape. Notice how the artist has carefully applied gold and silver leaf to add a sense of opulence, reflecting the story’s royal patronage and the value placed on skilled craftsmanship. The social context of this work is fascinating; the Shahnama was a project of immense scale, employing numerous artists and artisans. The labor-intensive process, from preparing the parchment to grinding pigments, would have involved a hierarchy of skilled workers, each contributing to the final masterpiece. The materiality speaks volumes, elevating this from mere illustration to a testament of cultural pride and artistic achievement, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.