"Shangul Stirs the Khaqan's Council to War on Rustam", Folio 276v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1555

This miniature painting, a folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, depicts a scene from the epic Persian poem written by the poet Firdausi in the 10th and 11th centuries. The illustration depicts Shangul, a legendary king, as he stirs his council to war against Rustam, a legendary hero of Persian mythology. The artwork is a fine example of Persian miniature painting, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate details, including a landscape and a multitude of figures. The Shahnama manuscript was commissioned by Shah Tahmasp, the Safavid ruler of Persia, and is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.