"Rustam Slays Isfandiyar", Folio 466r from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1555

This is "Rustam Slays Isfandiyar," an early modern painting on paper, from the Shahnama, or Book of Kings. The story is told through the patient application of mineral pigments, lapis lazuli for the rich blue, ground malachite for the greens. These are bound with animal glue, meticulously applied with brushes made of squirrel hair to create a smooth surface. Gold is also used throughout the piece, adding to its sense of luxury and courtly opulence. The vibrant colors and intricate details belie the incredible labor involved in the production of such a manuscript, from the preparation of the paper to the grinding of pigments. The social context of this artwork is rooted in royal patronage and the economics of skilled craftsmanship. The artist, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi, and his team of artisans, depended on the court for their livelihoods, while the manuscript itself served as a symbol of royal power and cultural prestige. Appreciating the extraordinary effort that went into the creation of this and similar artworks, allows us to understand the inextricable relationship between materials, making, and cultural context, challenging traditional notions of fine art.