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

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian

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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.

"Iskandar Kills the Habash Monster", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus), Ink, opaque watercolor, silver, and gold on paper

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