Unidentified Scene and Text Fragment from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1305 - 1365

This small fragment comes from an illustrated manuscript of the Shahnama, or Book of Kings. Although the artist and exact date are unknown, the composition is striking. Notice the bold blocks of color—the vibrant red ground, the ochre figures to the left, and the contrasting white horse, all tightly arranged. The forms are simplified, almost geometric. This creates a flattened space, eschewing naturalistic depth for a decorative effect. What does this flattening achieve? It pulls us into a world governed by symbolic representation rather than realism. Consider how the artist uses line to define form and gesture. The figures’ outlines are firm and precise, yet their poses are somewhat stiff. This tension between the linear and the static imbues the scene with a sense of formality. The composition doesn't just illustrate a story, it presents a world governed by aesthetic principles. It invites us to decode its visual language.