Garshasp battle with Sagsars

"Garshasp Battles with the Sagsars" is a minature painting by the persian artistist Sadiqi Beg created in 1573 as a part of the 8 royal manuscripts commissioned by Shah Tahmasp .The Painting depicts the hero garshasp, Rostam great-great uncle fighting the Sagsars(the dog-headed) creatures on the island of Qalun. The sagsars are described as excellent horsemen wgo devoured their opponent. This painting is significant as it illustrates the Garhshaspnama, composed in 1066 which tells the tale of Garshasp,the last emperor of Pishdadian Iran and a descendant of mythological king Fereydun. In this painting ,Sadiqi choice to depict the sagsars with tree branches rather than conventional weapon is symbolic because it emphasizes their primitive ,savage nature in contrast to Garshasp civilizing heroism.The painting also show Sadiqi Begs distinctive style of incorporating unique colors ,distinct contours and stiff subjects.