"Rustam Overpowers the King of Hamavaran", Folio from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) 1475 - 1499

Curator: Look at this striking image, a page from a late 15th-century manuscript of the Shahnama, the Persian Book of Kings. It depicts the moment when Rustam overpowers the King of Hamavaran. The artist, working with watercolours, captures an incredibly dynamic scene. Editor: Dynamic indeed! My first thought is 'controlled chaos.' All these horses, men, weapons, tumbled together but within such clear boundaries, contained in this small rectangle. The colours are so vibrant too – a sort of restrained explosion. Curator: Exactly! This balance is central to Persian miniature painting. Notice how the artist doesn’t use perspective in the way we’re used to, rather preferring a flattened, almost stacked space, with figures overlapping. This allows them to pack in an amazing amount of detail. Consider those horses, so stylized with their striped blankets. Editor: They're like a herd of exquisitely patterned zebras interrupting a medieval battle! Speaking of style, I can feel the influence of Islamic art, moving away from direct representation towards almost decorative patterns, which really lends itself to telling this epic story across generations. What do you think about the narrative aspect? Does it celebrate power, or maybe question it? Curator: It certainly participates in a cycle of power. The Shahnama is a national epic, filled with tales of heroism and kingship meant to instill a sense of Iranian identity and pride, but its scenes like this one also acknowledge conflict inherent in asserting and maintaining that power. Rustam, one of the greatest heroes, is physically dominating the king – the image reinforces a specific order, while showing just how fragile that order really is. Editor: Yes, and in the modern context, it serves as a valuable reminder that even stories presented as defining narratives are crafted, they come from a certain perspective, don't they? They’re not just transparent reflections of the past, but active participants in shaping our understanding. Curator: Precisely, they evolve with us. And the fact that these vibrant illustrations bring these very old narratives to life keeps us discussing power, perspective, and the stories we want to keep telling ourselves today. Editor: A storybook with some truly fascinating angles, and visual energy, making you think twice.