"The Tortoise", Folio from an `Aja'ib al-Makhluqat (Wonders of Creation) of Qazwini 1550s

"The Tortoise", a folio from a 1550s copy of *Aja'ib al-Makhluqat* (Wonders of Creation) by Zakaria al-Qazwini, depicts a giant tortoise, its shell elaborately patterned, swimming above a chaotic underwater scene. A large fish, a serpentine creature, and a figure emerge from the swirling waves, while an observer in the upper right corner watches from a rocky outcrop. This illustration is a testament to the rich tradition of Islamic natural history and manuscript illumination, showcasing detailed depictions of fantastical creatures and intricate compositions. The illustration is a stunning example of 16th-century Persian miniature painting and an important record of the scientific and cultural interests of the time.