"The Combat of Rustam and Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1305 - 1365

This folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) depicts the epic battle between Rustam and Puladvand, a pivotal moment from Persian mythology. The miniature painting, created between 1305 and 1365, captures the intensity of the fight with vibrant colors and dynamic poses. The scene unfolds against a background of blue and gold, with the warriors' armor and horses meticulously rendered. The accompanying text in Persian script provides further context to the scene, highlighting the importance of the Shahnama as a source of Persian history and literature. The Shahnama, written by the poet Abu'l Qasim Firdausi in the 10th and 11th centuries, remains a foundational text of Persian culture. This folio is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.