Of the few paintings Muzaffar Ali had contributed to the Shahnama, this piece encapsulates exactly what to expect of Ali's style and his legacy's impact on Safavid painting. This illustration depicts Shah Khusrau the First, also known as Anushirvan to mean "the Immortal Soul", in conversation with the advisor, or sage, Buzurgmihr, whom he regarded highly and often spoke to for his counsel. The Shah is central in this composition, an expected trope within the Shahnama itself as the Book of Kings, detailing mythicised trials and journeys of Persian kings throughout their lineage, and is surrounded by many people within his court, a common convention of Muzaffar Ali's own work. Utilising the skills he had learnt from his own practice and that of his teacher's, Behzad, Ali demonstrates his ability to maintain a high number of figures across a scene without compromising on detail or characterisation, as many of the side characters within this particular one are shown to be deep in their own conversations and interactions, adding a sense of life to the piece. This skill makes it all the more understandable that Ali is referred to as one of the earliest graphic designers, as his understanding of composition; calligraphy; colour; and character all convey many fundamental principles of art and design.
Muzaffer Ali had only a few contributions to the Shahnama, but this artwork is a beautiful reflection of his style and left a lasting influence on Safavid miniature painting. The composition has a central subject as Shah Khusrau I, also known as Anushirvan, who is consulting his trusted advisor Buzurgmihr. This painting highlights the importance of wisdom and righteous leadership. Although Shah is the primary focus, Muzaffer has used his skills to fill the composition with multiple figures. They are engaged in active conversations, making the scene feel real. He has used delicate brushwork to create balanced composition, elevating it with a vibrant colour palette and intricate details to demonstrate excellent craftsmanship, while seamlessly integrating storytelling with design. He was a leading pioneer of graphic composition.
