Iran / Persia: The Court of Gayumarth, first Shah of Iran, by Sultan Muhammad (1568). Detail of Shah Gayumarth

Gayumarth (sometimes Gayumars), first Shah of Iran, is enthroned among his courtiers clad in leopard skins at the opening of the Shahnama-yi Shahi (The King's Book of Kings).

This miniature was probably painted by the court painter Sultan Mohammed, and is considered by some to be the most beautiful image in all Persian art. The picture was painted at the request of Shah Tahmasp. The work was presented by the Safavid ruler to the Ottoman sultan Selim II in 1568.

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Pictures From History