Artwork
Battle between Manuchihr and Tur, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020)
Battle between Manuchihr and Tur, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (Persian, c. 934–1020) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a tumultuous cavalry clash identified as the battle between Manuchihr and Tur, a narrative taken from the Persian epic Shah‑nama. Rendered in vivid reds, blues and gold, the composition is densely packed with riders and horses, creating a sense of frantic movement within a richly ornamented frame.
Subject & Meaning
The scene illustrates a legendary confrontation recounted in Firdausi’s Shah‑nama, a medieval chronicle of kings and heroes. By portraying the combatants in close proximity, the image emphasizes the drama and heroism associated with royal warfare in Persian literary tradition.
Technique & Style
Executed with bold pigments and intricate line work, the painting combines flat areas of colour with elaborate decorative borders. The surrounding script, rendered in a flowing, vine‑like calligraphic style, functions both as caption and ornamental element, typical of Persian miniature illumination.
History & Provenance
Created in the Persian cultural sphere between the 10th and 11th centuries, the piece is part of a larger illustrated Shah‑nama manuscript. It now belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed alongside other examples of medieval Persian book art.
Context
During the era of Firdausi (c. 934–1020), illustrated manuscripts served as visual companions to literary texts, reinforcing narratives for elite patrons. The battle motif reflects the period’s fascination with heroic lineage and the legitimisation of rulership through epic storytelling.
Artist & collection
