the Shah Isma’il II Shahnameh
Pashang Discusses the Invasion of Iran
Folio detached from the Shah Isma’il II Shahnameh
Attributed to Sadiqi Beg (d. 1610)
Iran, Qazvin, 1576–1577
Opaque watercolour, gold, silver, and ink on paper
AKM72
The first half of the Shahnameh focuses largely on a multigenerational war between Iran and its enemies, the Turanians. On both sides, successive kings make the solemn decision to send their sons, trained as great warriors, into battle. Here, the Turanian king Pashang discusses an upcoming invasion of Iran with his son Afrasiyab, armed and eager for combat. A pair of court musicians in the foreground — a barbad-player and a singer — echoes the intimate conversation between father and son above. They serve as a reminder that stories of the Shahnameh were often recited before small gatherings by bards and musicians, who could emphasize moments of high drama in their speech and music.