The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus

The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus

Folio 268v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

The Combat of Rustam and Ashkabus
Folio 268v from the Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Shah Tahmasp

Author:Abu'l Qasim Firdausi (935–1020)
Artist:Painting attributed to Mirza Muhammad Qabahat
Workshop director:'Abd al-'Aziz (active first half 16th century)
Object Name:Folio from an illustrated manuscript
Date:ca. 1525–30
Geography:Made in Iran, Tabriz
Medium:Opaque watercolor, ink, silver, and gold on paper
Dimensions:Painting: H. 9 3/8 x W. 7 5/8 in. (H. 23.8 x W. 19.4 cm)
Entire Page: H. 18 5/8 x W. 12 5/8 in. (H. 47.3 x W. 32.1 cm)
Classification:Codices
Credit Line:Gift of Arthur A. Houghton Jr., 1970

With daylight the battle resumes. Before the armies can clash, Ashkabus rides out from the Turanian side and starts to abuse the Iranians. After Ruhham tries unsuccessfully to shoot Ashkabus with arrows, Rustam enters the fray. He is on foot, having left Rakhsh to rest. He parries the taunts of Ashkabus, then shoots the Turanian's horse with a single arrow. After that, one arrow from Rustam's bow finishes him off.

Provenance

Shah Tahmasp, Iran (until 1568; gifted to Selim II); Sultan Selim II, Istanbul (from 1568); Sultan Selim III, Istanbul (by 1800); Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Paris (by 1903–d. 1934); his son, Baron Maurice de Rothschild, Paris and Pregny, near Geneva (by 1955–d. 1957); [ Stiebel Ltd., New York, until 1959; sold to Houghton]; Arthur A. Houghton Jr., New York (1959–70; gifted to MM

Location : Metropolitan Museum of Art