Minneapolis Institute of Art

Rakhsh, Rustam's Horse, Kills a Lion While His Master Sleeps

Persia (Iran); or Mesopotamia (Iraq)LinkedCulture matchlcp-e178dfb5f331

Date: c. 1300
Medium: Colors and gold on paper
Department: Asian Art
Institution: Minneapolis Institute of Art
Object ID: 1187

From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record

This illustration succinctly captures an iconic moment in the Shahnameh, when one of its great heroes, Rustam, falls asleep in a thicket of reeds. A lion attempts to attack, but Rustam’s legendary horse, Rakhsh, swiftly intercedes and kills the lion with his bare teeth. Note the pattern on Rakhsh’s body, which Rustam describes as “a wonder to behold; like saffron petals, mottled red and gold.” Bravery and loyalty are persistent themes throughout the Shahnameh, particularly in scenes with Rustam, a warrior who serves a succession of kings and is seen here on a quest to save King Kavous from a demon. Iran, Iraq, Asia

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Provenance & credit

As published by the source institution. Coverage varies — not every institution's open-data feed includes ownership history.

Credit line: Bequest of Mrs. Margaret McMillan Webber in memory of her mother, Katherine Kittredge McMillan

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