2-725-132 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Calligraphy, Persian Verses (verso), c. 1440-1520. The handsome youth lassoing the feisty colt in this painting is Rustam, the Shahnama's most popular hero. A favorite episode for illustrating, this event marks a turning point in the fortunes of Iran and offers the artist a wonderful pictorial opportunity. The episode occurs in a time of trouble for Iran -- the throne is empty and a foreign army invades the land. The country needs a mighty warrior to fight for her, and the young Rustam is ready for the challenge -- once he finds a horse that can bear his enormous weight! The herds are gathered for Rustam's inspection: a piebald bay colt catches his eye. For three years no one has been able to capture the colt, known as "Rustam's Rakhsh." Rustam asks what price the herdsman wants for him. The reply: "If you are a true Rustam -- a true deliverer -- mount him and make the land of Iran aright. The cost of Rakhsh is the soil of Iran and the deliverance of the world!"