"Rustam's Seventh Course: He Kills the White Div", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1641 - 1692

This early Persian miniature, "Rustam's Seventh Course: He Kills the White Div," presents a dramatic scene using stark visual contrasts. The dark, cavernous space is dominated by the figures of Rustam and the White Div, their struggle rendered through dynamic lines and contrasting colors. Observe how the artist uses color to differentiate the figures. Rustam, in his darker, earth-toned armor, is set against the pale, almost grotesque figure of the White Div. This juxtaposition not only highlights the conflict but also suggests a deeper dichotomy between order and chaos. Consider the structural composition: the confined space of the cave amplifies the tension of the scene. The bodies are arranged in a way that directs our gaze towards the focal point, the moment of the kill. This manipulation of space and form serves to intensify the narrative and emotional impact. The miniature's formal elements—color, line, and composition—are not merely decorative; they actively construct meaning, reflecting cultural values and philosophical ideas about heroism, morality, and the struggle against evil.