"Siyavush Recounts His Nightmare to Farangis", Folio 195r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1555

"Siyavush Recounts His Nightmare to Farangis" is a folio from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, a renowned manuscript of epic Persian poetry attributed to Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. Created between 1500 and 1555, this intricate miniature painting depicts a scene from the Shahnama, showcasing the Persian art of storytelling through vivid imagery and delicate detail. The composition is framed by flowing Persian calligraphy and depicts Siyavush, a legendary hero, recounting a haunting dream to his wife Farangis in a palace setting. The use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns is characteristic of the Safavid period, a time of great artistic flourish in Persia. The painting is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of Persia and the enduring power of its epic tales.