"The Combat of Rustam and Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
Generally, Shahnama illustrations of the single combat between the Iranian hero Rustam and the numerous div-like allies of the Turanians, who were prodigiously strong, show the final wrestling match when the victor is about to dash his enemy to the ground. Here, instead, the earlier episode of the horse fight between the two characters is depicted. The most unusual aspect of the present miniature is the strange flail-like weapon, presumably of Central Asian origin, dominating the center of the composition.
Artwork Details
- Title: "The Combat of Rustam and Puladvand", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
- Author: Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus)
- Date: ca. 1330–40
- Geography: Attributed to Iran, probably Isfahan
- Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
- Dimensions: Page:
H. 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm)
W. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
Painting:
H. 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm)
W. 4 1/8 in. (10.4 cm) - Classification: Codices
- Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
- Object Number: 1974.290.15
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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