Drawing of Sasanian rock relief: battle of Ardashir I (r. A.D. 224-241) at Firuzabad, southern Iran 1800 - 1850

Lutf-'Ali Shirazi's drawing depicts the battle scene of the Sasanian king Ardashir I, who defeated the last Parthian ruler in 224 AD. The artwork focuses on Ardashir riding a horse, his face turned towards the viewer, while a defeated enemy lies in the foreground. Shirazi's drawing captures a pivotal moment in Iranian history, showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to translate the grand scale of the ancient rock relief into a smaller, more intimate format. This drawing is a testament to the enduring fascination with Sasanian art and its symbolic importance in Iranian cultural identity.