Picture Day Friday: Safavid Art from Iran

The other day, Erin Satie and I were discussing Safavid art, and I thought I'd do a Picture Day Friday post to show some examples of the exquisite work that the Safavids were famous for.

The Safavids came to power in Persia (Iran) in the 16th century. They're originally from Azerbaijan, and are claimed with being one of those dynasties that unified greater Iran. At one point, their empire included modern Iran, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, and Armenia; most of Georgia, the North Caucasus, Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan; as well as parts of Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. WOW! Other than their stupendous military, governance, and civilian prowess, the Safavids are also credited with their patronage of architectural and the fine arts.

Here are some examples of the art:

A 17th C. wall painting from the Chehel Sotoun pavilion in Isfahan, Iran.


[Image copyrighted by Earth, Water, Air, Fire.]

From a 17th C. wall painting at the Hasht-Behesht Palace in Isfahan, Iran.


[Image copyrighted by www.ipernity.com.]

From a 17th C. wall painting at the Hasht-Behesht Palace in Isfahan, Iran.


[Image copyrighted by www.ipernity.com.]

From a 17th C. wall painting at the Hasht-Behesht Palace in Isfahan, Iran.


[Image copyrighted by www.ipernity.com.]