Artwork Page for Persian Couplets (recto), Calligraphy, Persian Verses; Single Page Manuscript

Details / Information for Persian Couplets (recto), Calligraphy, Persian Verses; Single Page Manuscript

Persian Couplets (recto), Calligraphy, Persian Verses; Single Page Manuscript

late 1500s–early 1600s

Iran, Isfahan, Safavid period

(1501-1722)
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Medium
ink, gold, and opaque watercolor on paper
Measurements
Overall: 31.6 x 20.4 cm (12 7/16 x 8 1/16 in.); Text area: 21 x 12.4 cm (8 1/4 x 4 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1944.494.a
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Under Shah Abbas, the tradition in which painting was employed to illustrate a literary work was all but abandoned. In its place came a new concern with single-page illustrations, such as this one, which have no specific content or meaning. They often illustrate albums of collections of verses about love and beauty, in which these themes often appear to serve as allegories of things divine.
A book page features diagonal Persian calligraphic script in black ink within a central rectangle. This center is framed by blue and gold triangles and colorful floral squares. Columns of horizontal and vertical script border the calligraphy within multiple rectangular frames. A wide, aged cream margin is decorated with delicate gold-painted birds and flowering branches. The composition uses warm tones, highlighted by gold patterns and vibrant blue and orange accents.

Persian Couplets (recto), Calligraphy, Persian Verses; Single Page Manuscript

late 1500s–early 1600s

Iran, Isfahan, Safavid period (1501-1722)

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