Iran, Isfahan; end of the 1680s

Leaf: 35.9 × 23.3 cm

These three paintings were made by Muin Musawwir, Riza-i Abbasi’s best-known pupil, who in the course of his long career illustrated at least six editions of the Shahnama – one of which is in the David Collection – along with two or three editions of Bijan’s posthumous, historical text about the founder of the Safavid Dynasty, Shah Ismail. Only one of the paintings was signed by Muin, and it is possible that he had help on the work from his pupils.

The last miniature illustrates the important battle at Chaldiran in August 1514. The Ottoman Turks under Selim I won a decisive victory over Shah Ismail and young Safavid Iran. It was a serious blow for Ismail, who had almost divine status among his Shiite followers. The battle was more or less won for Sultan Selim, seen at the top left corner, because of the Turks’ superior artillery, and Muin Musawwir leaves us in no doubt that it was in fact Shah Ismail who was the bravest warrior.