Iranian Painting

Iranian painting is known throughout the world for its specific and unique characteristics. Ornamentation and abstraction can be considered as the general features of Iranian painting.
The art of painting in Iran dates back to the time of the cavemen. The remaining paintings from Iranian ancient times are notable for concentrating on the human figure (mostly male, and often royal) and also animal figures.

Iran painting periods can be divided into three distinct but continuous eras:

• The era of the continuity of the ancient traditions (from the 1st century BC to the 13th century BC), which dates back to the Parthians and Sassanids. These paintings are based on plant and geometric arrays.
• The flourishing era of miniature or traditional Persian painting, (from the end of the 13th to the late 17th century BC). The painters of this era mostly   illustrated famous Persian poetries under the auspices of the kings. 
• The Ecliptic Developmental Era (from the late 17th century to the late 19th century). In this period, traditional Iranian paintings took new forms by adapting European naturalism. 

 

 

In the beginning of Qajar Era there was a special emphasis on the royal portraiture of Shahs. The portraits of “Fath Ali Shah Qajar” are considered among the most famous of them.

 

 Portrait of Fath Ali Shah, By: Mihr 'Ali 

 

The efflorescence of “Kamal-ol-Molk”, one of the most famous Iranian portraiture and landscape artists who created an evolution in Persian painting, dates back to the middle of the Qajar period (Naser-o-Din Shah's reign).

 

 Mirror Hall, By: Kamal-ol-Molk 

 

 Dushan Tappe Street & Tekiye Dowlat, By: Kamal-ol-Molk 

 

 Rammal, By: Kamal-ol- Molk 

 

In contemporary times, Mahmoud Farshchian is known as one of the most iconic contemporary Iranian painters. While paying attention to the principles of traditional Persian painting, this artist have originated a new style which is unique to himself. 

 

 By: Mahmoud Farshchian 

 

 By: Mahmoud Farshchian 

 

To this date, numerous contemporary Iranian painters have exhibited their works at Iranian and international exhibitions and have won many international awards. These artists include Iran Darroudi, Bahman Mohassess, Mohsen Vaziri Moghadam, Jazeh Tabatabaee, Jalil Ziapoor, Mohammad Ali Taraghijah, Kambiz Deram Bakhsh, Manouchehr Yektaei, Mohammad Ehsaei, Hossein Zendehroodi, Farshid Mesghali, Vesta Kiani and Farhad Moshiri.

 By: Iran Darroudi 

 

 By: Iran Darroudi 

 

 By: Bahman Mohassess 

 

 By: Vesta Kiani 

 

 By: Jalil Ziapoor 

 

 By: Farshid Mesghali 

 

 By: Mohsen Vazirimoghadam 

 

 By: Mohsen Vazirimoghadam 

 

 By: Mohammad Ali Taraghijah 

 

 By: Manouchehr Yektaei 

 

 By: Farhad Moshiri 

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"Art Price" (the world leader in art market information) reports about the reputation of contemporary Iranian painting:
“Iranian artists combine a very strong creative will with an invincible respect for tradition. Their art works, rich in diversity and originality, has prompted influential museums such as the Tate Modern, the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York to make room on their walls and acquire works by Iranian artists.” 
 

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References:
Encyclopedia of Art, (Author: Ruyin Pakbaz)
en.wikipedia.org
www.sensesculturalfarsi.org