A king’s horse attended by a groom

The image of a king’s horse attended by a groom is a recurring theme in Iranian miniature painting. At the courts of Iranian rulers, grooms held positions of considerable responsibility, overseeing the care of the royal stables and ensuring the well-being of the monarch’s horses. Renowned for their expertise, they possessed a deep understanding of horsemanship and equine behavior. Although the Persian term for « groom » literally means « the elder » or « the chief, » it referred to a trusted court official responsible for the supervision, care, and maintenance of the royal horses.