"The Funeral of Iskandar", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1305 - 1365

This folio, "The Funeral of Iskandar", from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, was likely created in Persia during the late 13th or early 14th century. The Shahnama is a national epic of Persia, and illustrated folios such as this one were often commissioned by wealthy patrons or rulers to celebrate Persian history and culture. The image creates meaning through visual codes. Iskandar's body is centrally placed, emphasizing his importance, while the mourners around him display exaggerated gestures of grief. Culturally, the scene reflects the significance of royal patronage in the arts, and the importance of the Shahnama in constructing Persian identity. This was a time of political fragmentation in Persia, and such cultural productions were important in maintaining a sense of shared history. Historical sources, such as court records, chronicles, and other illustrated manuscripts, help to reconstruct the social and institutional context in which the artwork was created. The meaning of art is always contingent on its time.