Persian verses (verso) from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940-1019 or 1025)

A prince from Iran’s early legendary history, Siyavush was sent by his father, the shah, to train under the great warrior Rustam in the arts of hunting, archery, and horseback riding. In the painting on the other side of this page, Siyavush demonstrates his considerable skill by hitting the bulls eye on a rolling target from horseback. The gold sky, pastel ground with grassy tufts, and dense leafy riverbank are distinctive features of Persian painting during this period.