"Bahram Gur's Skill with the Bow", Folio 17v from a Haft Paikar (Seven Portraits) of the Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami of Ganja 1405 - 1455

"Bahram Gur's Skill with the Bow" is a painting from around the 14th century, taken from Nizami's Khamsa, or "Quintet." The painting depicts Bahram Gur, an Iranian king, showcasing his mastery of archery, a skill closely associated with masculine power and leadership in Persian culture. Yet this image can be also read as one that underscores the performative aspects of kingship and gender. Bahram Gur must demonstrate his prowess before a diverse audience, including musicians, courtiers, and women. The landscape, dotted with figures and animals, creates a theatrical stage for the king’s display. The painting reflects the cultural values of the time, emphasizing the importance of skill, spectacle, and the arts of courtly life. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between power, identity, and representation. The painting asks what it means to perform a role. What does it mean to be seen? What does it mean to rule?