Artwork

Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings)

Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings), by Unknown, unspecified, 1438
Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings), by Unknown, unspecified, 1438

Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings) is an unspecified painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1438 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This painting depicts a scene from the Shah-nama, or Book of Kings, and is part of the oldest surviving illustrated Islamic manuscript produced in India.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Rustam, Iran's mythic hero, aiming his bow at Ashkabus, an enemy general on horseback, illustrating a pivotal moment from Persian literature.

Technique & Style

The artist, working under a Sultanate patron, merged local Indian styles with Persian artistic traditions, creating a unique visual representation of a Persian narrative.

History & Provenance

Produced for an Indian Sultanate patron who admired Persian culture, this manuscript reflects the cultural exchange between Iran and India during this period.

Context

The painting demonstrates the appeal of Persian stories in Indian courts and the blending of cultural influences in Indian art during the Sultanate period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.