Course Description

Instructor: Bill Fletcher

This course serves as a valuable addition to the diverse range of courses on Persian miniature painting, and it's important to note that prior experience in any previous class is not required. Persian miniature painting is a traditional and highly detailed art form that originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) during the medieval period, particularly flourishing from the 13th to the 17th centuries. It is characterized by intricate, small-scale illustrations that often depict scenes from literature, poetry, religious texts, and historical events. Drawing forms, the foundation for all Persian miniature paintings. As one collector aptly puts it, "For the cognoscenti, the elegance of the line compensated for the lack of color; as princes and royal patrons delved into painting, the ink drawing became a prized genre." Many of these intricate drawings were compiled into opulent albums and meticulously framed alongside even more elaborate drawings. These drawings not only differed in style but also featured subjects not commonly found in painting. Moreover, drawing played a pivotal role in the decorative elements of various genres, including carpets, ceramics, metalwork, and book covers.