"Horseman and Fragment of Text", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1305 - 1365

"Horseman and Fragment of Text" is a folio from a *Shahnama* (Book of Kings) created between 1305 and 1365. This small, detailed illustration depicts a rider on horseback, a common motif in Persian art. The artwork is attributed to the great Persian poet Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935-1020), whose epic poem *Shahnama* is a cornerstone of Persian literature. The folio is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York. The delicate lines and vibrant colors characteristic of Persian manuscript illumination are evident in this fragment, highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the Ilkhanate period.