Hero and Dragon

Unknown

third quarter 16th century · Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper · Islamic Art

In a rocky landscape a hunter on horseback plunges his sword through the neck of a dragon that has sunk its fangs into a small deer. A pair of deer and two rabbits scatter in the foreground. With its blue tinted rocks and gold dragon's wings, this is a finished drawing, despite the narrative suggestion of its subject matter. Various heroes in the 'Shahnama', the Persian national epic, combat dragons, but this image evokes rather than illustrates these manly acts.

Artist

Unknown

Date

third quarter 16th century

Medium

Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George D. Pratt, 1925