"Yazdegird I Kicked to Death by the Water Horse", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1275 - 1355

This folio from a Shahnama, or "Book of Kings," depicts the tragic death of Yazdegird I, the last Sassanid king of Persia, who was kicked to death by a water horse. The painting is attributed to the Persian poet Abu’l Qasim Firdausi, who is famous for his epic poem, the Shahnama, which tells the story of Persian kings from mythical times to the 7th century. This folio was likely made between 1275 and 1355, during the Ilkhanid period in Persia, when the Shahnama was particularly popular. The painting itself is small, measuring only 5.4 cm high by 12.4 cm wide, but its intricate detail and vibrant colors bring the dramatic story to life.