"Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1305 - 1365

This folio, “Isfandiyar's Third Course: He Slays a Dragon”, was produced around the turn of the first millennium by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. The painting within the page is made using what is called opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper. Notice how the page is composed with calligraphic text that surrounds the vibrant and visually arresting painting. Consider how the materiality and techniques used here have imbued this work with social or cultural significance. The creation of illuminated manuscripts like this Shahnama required the labor of numerous skilled artisans: calligraphers, illuminators, painters, and binders. The costly materials, such as the precious gold leaf, and the immense amount of work involved in the production process, speak to the wealth and power of the patron who commissioned it. Looking at this artwork, one can challenge the traditional distinction between fine art and craft by recognizing the artistic skill and cultural significance embedded in its materials, making, and social context.