"Bahram Gur Slays the Dragon", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1650 - 1699

This folio, "Bahram Gur Slays the Dragon," from a Shahnama, or Book of Kings, was created around the turn of the first millennium by Abu'l Qasim Firdausi. It's made with ink and opaque watercolor on paper, humble materials that nonetheless carry a great deal of cultural weight. Look closely, and you'll notice the painting's surface has a life of its own. The paper support has a slight texture, giving the image depth. The artist's meticulous brushwork captures the intensity of the combat with the dragon, whose patterned body contrasts with the more sober tones of the horse. Creating a work like this was labor-intensive, from preparing the parchment to mixing the pigments and applying the delicate brushstrokes. This level of intricate detail would have required highly specialized training, making the artwork precious. Consider the ways in which the materials, the making, and the context all contribute to the work's meaning. It’s a reminder that the most compelling art often lies in the intersection of different creative practices.