"Rustam is Thrown into the Sea by the Div Akvan", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi 1305 - 1365

Curator: Let's turn our attention to this remarkable miniature, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It's titled "Rustam is Thrown into the Sea by the Div Akvan," a folio originating from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, crafted sometime between 1305 and 1365. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the contrasting blues of the water against the intense red backdrop. It feels dramatically staged, almost theatrical, despite the small scale. The figures are caught in such a violent, yet strangely elegant dance. Curator: Indeed, the Book of Kings, penned by Firdausi, is a cornerstone of Persian literature. These illustrated folios served not only to narrate but also to visually amplify the epic tales of ancient Persia. The figure you noted is Rustam, a legendary hero in Persian mythology. The div, or demon, Akvan, is in the process of casting him into the sea. Editor: And how cleverly the artist conveys movement! Those swirling lines and the almost geometric rendering of the waves give a sense of tumultuous energy. Also, the colours seem highly symbolic, red always evoking strength or impending conflict. I'm assuming that extends across cultures. Curator: Certainly, though here, that field of saturated red isn't merely a stage for conflict. Consider its connection to power, to kingship itself within Persian artistic and symbolic language. Remember these miniatures would have been viewed in the courts, amidst layers of coded meaning. That demonic figure throwing him has got some serious teeth too! Editor: Yes, you’re right to bring it back to the context, of course. Look at the lines of the text surrounding the image; it literally frames and contains the image, turning the episode into a gem for thoughtful observation. Curator: Precisely. And Rustam being thrown into the sea isn’t just a literal depiction but carries symbolic weight. Water, especially turbulent water, can signify chaos, uncertainty, a trial of the hero's spirit and virtue before it is revealed as true and eternal. Editor: I see what you mean. Examining how those forms interact, and appreciating the historical role of manuscript and colours creates an additional layer to this scene. Curator: Exactly. It's this intersection of artistic composition and symbolic language that elevates this from mere illustration to a potent, enduring visual narrative. Editor: Definitely. It offers much more than meets the eye upon first glance.