An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Bahram Gur Arrives at the House of a Merchant, text page (recto); Bahram Gur Slays a Dragon (verso), from a Shahnama (Book of Kings) of Firdausi (940-1019 or 1025), known as the Great Mongol Shahnama1330–35
In this intense painting, Bahram Gur plunges his sword into the breast of a dragon. A favorite character from Iran's pre-Islamic history, Bahram Gur (reigned 420–38) was a popular ruler of the Sassanian dynasty and a great hunter. He took the name "Gur," meaning <em>onager </em>(a wild ass), because it was his preferred game, although he also excelled at killing dragons. As evidenced by this illustration's rock formations, tree trunk, and dragon, Iranian painting in the Mongol period borrowed numerous stylistic and spatial elements from Chinese models. With the surging landscape and writhing dragon rendered with equal energy, this is a picture of extraordinary unity and concentration.
The <em>Shahnama</em> is an epic poem that traces the fortunes of heroes and kings, of lovers and enemies.
opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Sheet: 45.8 x 34.4 cm (18 1/16 x 13 9/16 in.)
Grace Rainey Rogers Fund
In a world suspended between realms, a fierce clash erupts. The canvas pulses with energy as Bahram Gur, a storied figure from the ancient tapestry of Iran’s history, stands resolutely—a warrior, a ruler, a myth come to life. With a focused gaze, he plunges his gleaming sword deep into the breast of a dragon, an act of bravery that speaks to the heart of heroism itself.
Once upon a time in the lush lands of the Sassanian dynasty, a ruler by the name of Bahram Gur, who reigned from 420 to 438 CE, came to be revered. Known not only for his leadership but also for his unparalleled hunting skills, he earned the name "Gur," which reflects his fierce pursuit of the wild onager—the untamed ass he cherished as his favored game. But it was the dragons that truly captured the imagination of the people.
This vibrant scene unfolds against a backdrop of swirling rock formations and ancient tree trunks, setting the stage for a monumental struggle. What’s striking here is the unique harmony between the raw energy of the landscape and the sinuous form of the dragon itself. Each stroke of the brush lends life to both the fury of the dragon's movements and the steadfastness of Gur’s resolve. Amidst this chaos, a sense of unity inhabits the piece, where the intense struggle for dominion appears as a dance between the feral beauty of nature and the indomitable spirit of humankind.
The painting, crafted during the Mongol period, embodies a period of cross-cultural exchange, as Iranian artistry gracefully intertwines with the stylistic whispers of Chinese influence. Each detail—the arch of the rock, the flutter of the dragon's scales, the breath of the air—reflects a deeper connection, where ferocity and elegance coalesce into one story.
As viewers stand before this magnificent visual narrative, they are not merely looking at a historical confrontation; they are absorbing a profound moment where bravery, artistry, and the legends of yore unite. In this breathtaking tableau, the essence of what it means to be heroic resonates, leaving an enduring mark on the soul.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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