"Rustam and Isfandiyar Begin Their Combat", Folio 461v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
 Painting attributed to Aqa Mirak Iranian

Not on view

After a lengthy discussion of Gushtasp's demands of Rustam and his and Isfandiyar's obligations to the shah, they decide to resolve the disagreement through combat. Fighting first with lances, they parry and pierce each other's armor until the lances fall apart. They then turn to their swords but again succeed only in breaking each other's weapons. So it goes with maces and hand combat as well, and by the end of the day, neither has the upper hand. They decide to rest.

"Rustam and Isfandiyar Begin Their Combat", Folio 461v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp, Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus), Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper

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