"Birth of Rustam", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1535 - 1605

This vibrant page from the Shahnama, or Book of Kings, depicts the birth of the hero Rustam and was made with ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. This isn't just painting; it's a sophisticated layering of materials. The gold leaf, for instance, had to be meticulously applied, burnished to a sheen, then integrated with the watercolor washes. Look closely, and you'll notice how the artist has used the texture of the paper to his advantage, allowing it to subtly influence the overall composition. The flat rendering emphasizes a two-dimensionality with depth generated through the distribution of color, pattern, and calligraphic inscription. The making of such a manuscript was a collaborative endeavor involving calligraphers, illuminators, painters, and binders, each contributing specialized skills honed through years of apprenticeship. The visual elements and their arrangement in the composition evoke a sense of status and taste, and celebrate the traditions of the commissioning court. Understanding the immense labor involved in such a production allows us to appreciate the social context and artistic choices, and challenges our conventional understanding of art history.