"Rustam Slays Esfandiyar", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1641 - 1692

"Rustam Slays Esfandiyar" is a folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) created between 1641 and 1692. The artwork depicts a scene from the epic poem by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi, which tells the story of the legendary Persian hero Rustam. The illustration shows Rustam, a warrior on a blue horse, fighting with Esfandiyar, the son of King Gushtasp, on a red horse. The artist captures the intensity of the battle, with Rustam’s sword raised in a dramatic pose. The artwork is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.