"Rustam's Fourth Course, He Cleaves a Witch", Folio 120v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp
ca. 1525
Medium
Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions
Painting: H. 11 3/16 in. (28.5 cm) W. 7 5/16 in. (18.6 cm) Page: H. 18 5/8 in. (47.3 cm) W. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm) Mat: H. 22 in. (55.9 cm) W. 16 in. (40.6 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970
Accession Number
1970.301.17
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This striking folio from the Shahnameh, or Book of Kings, captures a dramatic moment in the legendary adventures of the Persian hero Rustam. Created around 1525 as part of a lavish manuscript commissioned by Safavid ruler Shah Tahmasp, the scene illustrates the epic poem by Abu’l Qasim Firdausi. In this fourth “course,” Rustam confronts and cleaves a shape-shifting witch, embodying themes of courage and the triumph of good over deception that have captivated audiences for centuries. Painted by the artist Qadimi in opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper, the work exemplifies the refined techniques of Persian miniature painting. Delicate gold highlights and vibrant colors bring the narrative to life within the manuscript’s pages, where text and image intertwine to tell stories of kings, warriors, and mythical creatures. Such codices were treasured not only as literature but as symbols of royal patronage and cultural prestige. Housed today in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Islamic Art collection, this folio offers a window into 16th-century Iranian courtly arts. Its intricate details invite viewers to explore the rich storytelling tradition that shaped Persian identity and continues to inspire admiration for its beauty and historical depth.
About the Artist
Qadimi|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian|Iranian) · 1500 |0935 –1590 |1020
Iranian, active ca. 1525–1565|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus