"The Angel Surush Rescues Khusrau Parviz from a Cul-de-sac", Folio 708v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1505 - 1560

This painting from the Shahnama, or Book of Kings, depicts the angel Surush rescuing Khusrau Parviz. Notice Surush’s majestic, multi-colored wings. Here, wings denote the divine and ethereal, lifting Surush from the earthly realm. This motif of winged figures appears across cultures and epochs, evoking transcendence and protection. In ancient Assyria, winged bulls guarded palace entrances, while in Christian art, angels with feathered wings serve as divine messengers, guiding souls. The winged figure’s enduring presence in our collective consciousness reflects a primal desire for intervention. From the Greek goddess Nike to this Iranian angel, the image of winged beings, often depicted with vibrant colors and dynamic movement, offers us solace and empowerment. Their continued relevance speaks to the human need for otherworldly intervention and guidance through life’s trials, a symbol that resurfaces through history, transformed yet timeless.