Effigie naturali dei maggior prencipi et piu valorosi capitani di questa eta con l'arme loro 1596

This 1596 engraving by Italian artist Giacomo Franco depicts Shah Abbas I, the Shah of Persia. The image shows him in regal attire, a fur-lined robe, a large turban, and a jeweled earring. His confident posture and the ornate staff he holds reinforce his position of power. The text below identifies the subject and includes a stylized coat of arms, reflecting the importance of heraldry during the Renaissance. The engraving is a prime example of Franco's mastery of the art, demonstrating his ability to capture likeness and detail. This work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into 16th-century portraiture and the visual representations of rulers from different cultures.