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Iranian art, architecture and artifacts at Bridgeman

21 March 2010 marks 75 years since the country known as Persia was officially renamed Iran.

The Israel Museum

From prehistory to contemporary art and photography, the Israel Museum offers an in depth examination of both Jewish art and Jewish life.

Caravaggio: The Light and Dark

400 years after his death, the master of the dramatic still has the power to delight and perplex

The Regime Against Art

The Nazi exhibition of works deemed 'degenerate' is only one example of state-sanctioned censorship and destruction of art works.

Swords and daggers, from Lorestan, Iran, 2000-early 1000 BC (bronze) by Elamite, (2nd millennium BC) National Museum of Iran, Tehran, Iran

Lion fighting a bull, relief on the east staircase of the Apadana, Achaemanian Period, c.515 (stone), Achaemenid, (550-330 BC) / Persepolis, Iran / Giraudon

Rediscover a rich cultural history

The headlines may be dominated by presidential conflicts and violence but it is important to remember that Iran has a rich cultural heritage as one of the world's oldest continuous major civilizations. Much can be explored via the Bridgeman website and below are just a few highlights.

Images accessible via extensive keywording include ancient weapons, from the Elamite kingdom in 2800 BC, when the first Iranian dynasty was formed, exquisite turquoise tiles and architecture, the art of calligraphy as well as impressive ancient monuments. The Elamites were succeeded by three Iranian Empires, including the Achaemenids who built the world heritage site Persepolis, notable for its richly decorated reliefs.

Shah Abbas I (1588-1629) and a Courtier offering fruit and drink (detail) by Persian School Chehel Sotun, or 'The 40 Columns', Isfahan, Iran/ Giraudon

Merchant from Isfahan Flying, from 'The Wonders of the Creation and the Curiosities of Existence' by Zakariya'ibn Muhhamed al-Qazwini (detail of 158678) by Islamic School, (14th century) Institute of Oriental Studies, St. Petersburg, Russia/ Giraudon

Boy with Lily, 2002 (acrylic and gold leaf on canvas) by Roya Salari (Contemporary Artist)

The Safavid Dynasty

Iran was once again reunified as an independent state in 1501 by the Safavid dynasty who promoted Twelver Shi'a Islam as the official religion of their empire, marking one of the most important turning points in the history of Islam.

The Safavid peak was during the rule of Shah Abbas The Great, pictured above and the focus of a recent exhibition at The British Museum.

Iranian Contemporary Art

Bridgeman also has access to more recent works by Iranian contemporary artist Roya Salari who uses Christian stories as universal allegories to convey her feelings on contemporary events in her homeland.

For more information and for help with picture research please contact research@bridgemanart.co.uk.

Art, culture & history images

Iranian art, architecture and artifacts at Bridgeman

21 March 2010 marks 75 years since the country known as Persia was officially renamed Iran.

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