"Rustam Captures the Horse Rakhsh", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 1475 - 1499

This is "Rustam Captures the Horse Rakhsh," a page from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, made in Persia around the 16th century. In it, we see the hero Rustam choosing his horse. The Shahnama is an epic poem, composed in Persia in the 10th century. It's full of myths and legends, and it tells the history of Persia from the beginning of time to the Islamic conquest in the 7th century. This image is a product of a long tradition of courtly patronage; illustrated manuscripts like this were highly prized, commissioned by rulers to demonstrate their wealth and power. But they also served to reinforce a sense of Persian identity through their visual storytelling of Persian history and legend. Understanding this work fully requires delving into the social and political context of Persia at the time, exploring the role of the court, and the function of art in shaping cultural identity. A historian might consult manuscript studies, court records, and other visual sources to fully unpack its significance.