This little site is an expression of my love for Persian miniature painting.
Also known as manuscript illumination, this art flourished in Islamic Iran from the 14th to the 17th centuries. It is an art of brilliant colours, masterful brushwork, graceful calligraphy, all created and nourished by the patronage of Islamic princes and rulers.
Persian miniatures are found in books (manuscripts) produced for the elite of Iran. Only the very rich and powerful could afford to commission a manscript with miniature paintings. The best painters and calligraphers were celebrities, highly sought after and lavishly supported.
Materials were incredibly expensive, and included gold and silver leaf. Most importantly, the labour involved was tremendous: it was common for an artist to work for up to a year on a single painting. Only the wealthy could support an atelier (artists' workshop) to produce illustrated manuscripts.
Persian manscript painting is almost totally unknown outside Iran, except among scholars and collectors. I'm neither a scholar or collector, but I feel this art is too beautiful and outstanding to languish in specialized obscurity, and I'd like to share what I do know about it.
I've prepared a little guide to Persian painting, with seven of my favourites. Each one illustrates a different aspect of manuscript painting, in subject, style and technique. As my site grows, I'll get into more detail and perhaps branch out into the interesting areas of Turkish and Indian manuscript painting.
I welcome your feedback. Please send e-mail to Greg Roberts with any comments or questions you have.