"Iskandar Kills the Habash Monster", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi

ca. 1300–30

Not on view

The leader of a pack of huge wolves encountered by Iskandar and his troops in Habash (Abyssinia) is described by the poet as having one dark horn on its head. The artist has depicted a long unicorn-like creature and has added flames from the shoulders. The strong decorative sense so inherent in Persian painting throughout its history remains paramount in this painting, in spite of the fearsome struggle taking place, or the appearance of such foreign elements as Mongol costumes and caps.

Artwork Details

Title: "Iskandar Kills the Habash Monster", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
Date: ca. 1300–30
Geography: Attributed to Northwestern Iran or Baghdad
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions: Painting:
H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm)
W. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
Page:
H. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm)
W. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm)
Mat:
H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm)
W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1969
Object Number: 69.74.5
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

More Artwork

By Abu'l Qasim Firdausi

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

"The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, watercolor, and gold on paper — "The Murder of Iraj," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
late 15th century

"Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper — "Rustam Kills Isfandiyar with a Double Pointed Arrow", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century

"Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Opaque water color and gold on paper — "Rustam Wrestles with Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
15th century

"Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, gold and metallic paint, and watercolor on paper — "Fifth Joust, The Death of Simurgh by the Hands of Isfandiyar," Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
16th century

"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings), Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian, Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper — "Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Abu'l Qasim Firdausi
last quarter 15th century

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.