"Bahram Gur Slays the Rhino-Wolf", Folio 586r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1505 - 1560

This miniature painting, "Bahram Gur Slays the Rhino-Wolf," is a folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp. Created between 1505 and 1560, it depicts a scene from the epic Persian poem, the Shahnama, by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. The scene shows the Sassanid king Bahram Gur slaying a fearsome, mythical beast, the rhino-wolf. The miniature is characterized by vibrant colors, detailed figures, and a delicate, floral landscape. This exquisite artwork, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a fine example of the Safavid period's artistic mastery and showcases the enduring power of the Shahnama's narrative.