"Giv Avenges Bahram by Slaying Tazhav", Folio 248r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1555

This painting, "Giv Avenges Bahram by Slaying Tazhav," comes from the Shahnama, or Book of Kings, created in the first half of the 16th century. Its intricate details are made using opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper. The vibrant colors and fine lines are achieved through the skilled application of pigments, likely derived from minerals and plants, and the burnishing of gold leaf. The detailed rendering of figures, textiles, and landscape suggests a highly refined workshop practice, where specialized artisans contributed their expertise to different aspects of the manuscript. Creating such a richly detailed and illuminated manuscript involved a tremendous amount of labor, and the commission of such a work would have been a significant investment, reflecting the wealth and cultural aspirations of its patron. By appreciating the labor and materials involved, we can move beyond simply admiring its beauty, and consider its place in the social and economic context of its time.