"Rustam Captures Rakhsh", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

mid-15th century · Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper Margins: Ink and gold on dyed paper · Islamic Art

When he came of age, Zal promised his son, the hero Rustam, the pick of the wild horses that roamed Zabulistan and Kabulistan. Rustam chose a horse that was notoriously difficult to catch; for three years, it had resisted the attempts of the warriors who tried to tame him. Rustam, however, was able to capture the horse with his lasso and climb on its back.

Artist

Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

Date

mid-15th century

Medium

Main support: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold on paper Margins: Ink and gold on dyed paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The Grinnell Collection, Bequest of William Milne Grinnell, 1920