The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of March 16, 2025
Rustam Lassoing his Horse, Rakhsh, in a Landscape (recto); Calligraphy, Persian Verses (verso)
late 1500s
(1370–1501)
Location: not on view
Description
The handsome youth lassoing the feisty colt in this painting is Rustam, the Shahnama's most popular hero. A favorite episode for artists, this event marks a turning point in the fortunes of Iran and offers a wonderful pictorial opportunity.It occurs in a time of trouble for Iran—the throne is empty and a foreign army has invaded 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!"
- ?-1971Mr. and Mrs. John D. MacDonald, Cambridge, MA, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art1971-The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Arts of Iran (Islamic art rotation). The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (April 16-October 6, 2019).
- {{cite web|title=Rustam Lassoing his Horse, Rakhsh, in a Landscape (recto); Calligraphy, Persian Verses (verso)|url=false|author=|year=late 1500s|access-date=16 March 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1971.305