"How Rustam Found a Spring", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 1275 - 1355

This folio from a 13th to 14th century Shahnama (Book of Kings) by the Persian poet Abu'l Qasim Firdausi depicts a scene from the epic poem. The illustration, "How Rustam Found a Spring," is painted in delicate colors and shows a warrior, possibly Rustam himself, interacting with a horse, perhaps in the act of finding a spring of water. The illustration's detail and vibrant colors are characteristic of Persian manuscript art, which flourished in the 13th and 14th centuries. This folio is a testament to the rich artistic tradition of Persia and the enduring appeal of Firdausi's epic tale.