"Zahhak is Told His Fate", Folio 29v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Art Historical Context

Behold "Zahhak is Told Fate," Folio 29v from the *Shahnama (Book of Kings)* of Tahmasp, a jewel of Persian manuscript art created around 1524. This opaque watercolor, ink, silver and gold illumination on paper captures a pivotal moment from the epic poem by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi, 11th-century master storyteller. Zahhak, the tyrannical serpent-shouldered king symbolizing evil in Persian mythology, learns his doomed destiny from the divine messenger, blending drama and moral allegory in the grand narrative of Iran's mythical kings. Painted by the celebrated Safavid artist Sultan Muhammad, this folio exemplifies the Tabriz school's mastery during the reign of Shah Tahmasp (r. 1524–1576). The lavish use of shimmering gold and silver heights the otherworldly scene, while intricate ink lines and vibrant watercolors create a flattened, jewel-like composition typical of Persian miniatures—designed for intimate contemplation rather than illusionistic depth. Measuring about 7⅜ by 12⅞ inches, it reflects the opulence of royal patronage, where over 250 artists contributed to this UNESCO-recognized treasure. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Art Department, this page underscores the *Shahnama*'s cultural endurance: a celebration of Iranian identity, heroism, and cosmic justice that influenced centuries of art across the Islamic world. Visitors, imagine turning these pages in a candlelit palace—timeless storytelling in gilded splendor!

About the Artist

Sultan Muhammad|Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (Iranian|Iranian|Iranian) · 1500 |0935 |1500 –1550 |1020 |1550

Iranian, active first half 16th century|Iranian, Paj ca. 940/41–1020 Tus|Iranian, active first half 16th century