"Rustam Blames Kai Kavus for the Death of Siyavush", Folio 202v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp 1500 - 1555

This is "Rustam Blames Kai Kavus for the Death of Siyavush," a painting on a folio from the Shahnama, or Book of Kings. It was created in Persia under the direction of Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. The painting's composition is split into three distinct vertical sections, each stacked with figures and architectural details. The artist employs a flattened perspective, which crams the pictorial space. Notice the rich blues and reds that dominate the color palette, creating a visually intense experience. The figures, though small, are rendered with careful detail, their garments and expressions conveying a sense of drama and tension. The painting's structure reflects the epic narrative it illustrates. The architectural setting, a palace, is not just a backdrop but a structured space where power and blame are negotiated. The strategic arrangement of figures suggests a hierarchy, with the king enthroned in the central section. The compartmentalization of the scene into distinct registers also serves to isolate and highlight different aspects of the narrative, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the blame. Ultimately, this work can be seen as an exercise in encoding complex narratives within a highly formalized visual structure, making it a powerful example of the ways in which art can reflect and shape cultural and philosophical discourse.