"Manuchihr Welcomes Sam but Orders War upon Mihrab", Folio 80v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1550

This painting from the Shahnama, or Book of Kings, made in Persia in the 1520s or 30s, uses opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper. It depicts Manuchihr welcoming Sam, but also ordering war upon Mihrab. The image offers a glimpse into the complex social and political landscape of the time. Courtly life is on display here. Notice the rich details and vibrant colors, which speak to the patronage of the royal court, who commissioned this lavishly illustrated manuscript. The gathering of figures, the architecture, and even the surrounding landscape are coded with cultural and historical references. The image serves as a visual record, reinforcing the cultural and political ideologies of the ruling elite. Historians use illuminated manuscripts like this to understand the social structures, artistic practices, and political ideologies of a particular time. By researching the historical context and institutional patronage, we can reveal the complex interplay between art and society.