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"Gustaham Slays Lahhak and Farshidvard", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)

Author Abu'l Qasim Firdausi Iranian
ca. 1330–40
Not on view
Piran, the wise old commander-in-chief of the Turanians, was slain. He had advised his brothers that his army had been promised quarter in the event of his death but that the Turanian nobles would be in mortal danger. Therefore, the Turanian brothers Lahhak and Farshidvard fled toward Turan, pursued by the Iranian noble Gustaham. Farshidvard was killed by Gustaham's sword and Lahhak frenzied with grief, let loose his arrows. Both cavaliers were wounded, but Gustaham charged and cut off his opponent's head, thus ending a royal line. The artist has depicted a full-fledged battle scene, with all its action and confusion, even though the poem calls for only three combatants.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Gustaham Slays Lahhak and Farshidvard", 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 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 1 13/16 in. (4.6 cm)
    W. 4 3/16 in. (10.6 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Monroe C. Gutman, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.290.19
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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"Zahhak Brought as a Prisoner before Faridun", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings)
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