"Iskandar Slays the Habash Monster", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1305 - 1365

This folio, “Iskandar Slays the Habash Monster,” from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, was made around the turn of the first millennium by Abu’l Qasim Firdausi. Produced using ink and opaque watercolor on paper, it’s a small but powerful example of manuscript illumination. The process of creating such a work was highly specialized. The paper itself would have been carefully prepared, burnished to a smooth surface. The text, calligraphy, would have been added first, then the miniature painting. Pigments were derived from minerals and plants, ground by hand, and mixed with a binding medium. The application of gold leaf would have added another layer of complexity. The epic poem tells of legendary kings and heroes, but the act of illustrating these stories was itself a highly skilled occupation, one tied to courtly patronage and the cultural aspirations of the elite. This reflects the intersection of labor, materials, and narrative, reminding us that even seemingly simple works can be deeply embedded in their social context.