“The Lovers”
“The Lovers” is a beautiful small-scale Persian miniature (6-⅞” x 4-⅜”) made with tempera, gold, and ink on paper. It was painted in 1630 by the Iranian artist, Riza‑yi ‘Abbasi.
Riza-yi ‘Abbasi was one of the leading Persian miniaturist artists from the Isfahan School of art. The Isfahan School helped to support the intellectual, philosophical, artistic, and academic growth that was spurred on by the Safavid Dynasty. Riza developed a style that utilized heavy calligraphic lines, bright colors, and a monotone background. He had a great impact on the Persian miniature art form.
In this painting, Riza depicts two lovers embracing. The man is behind the woman, slipping his hand inside her clothing. There is a half empty bottle of wine by their feet, and a plate with a few pieces of fruit on the ground. Her bare feet rest against his legs. This depiction is risqué, but during the reign of Shāh Safi, there was a more relaxed view towards sensual subjects.
Art historians believe the woman to be a prostitute and the man to be her customer. Prostitution was allowed during the Safavid Dynasty and was supported monetarily by the rich gentleman in higher society. Many of the women in that business also prospered.
Riza painted this during the last years of his life. Many features of Riza’s stylistic work are evident in this piece. He painted detailed, colorful, and stylish figures in the foreground put against a more monotone and simpler background, with only suggestive details. Riza’s use of strong shapes to depict the figures is also typical of his later pieces.
“The Lovers” is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the United States.
For more on Riza‑yi ‘Abbasi, please visit his short biography here.
You can find more artists to learn about here.
