Mahmoud Farshchian, with his magical brush, breathed spirit and meaning back into Iranian miniature painting, leaving behind a lasting and valuable legacy. He, as one of the most famous painters of the contemporary period, created a new experience in painting with Shia topics, which was welcomed by the public.

Master Mahmoud Farshchian (1929-2025) can be considered one of the few artists who, by reviving traditional miniature painting and breathing new life into it, saved this authentic Iranian art form from oblivion and brought it to a global stage. His works have not only been displayed in prestigious museums around the world, but as a symbol of Iran’s rich culture and art, they have captivated hearts everywhere. Farshchian was not just an artist; he was an ambassador of Iran’s culture and art to the world.

Farshchian depicted mythical, religious stories with a fresh perspective and a modern approach

With his complete mastery of classical Iranian miniature schools, including those of Isfahan and Tabriz, Farshchian was able to create a unique and special style. His work is known for features such as the fluid movement of lines, vibrant and brilliant colors, and dynamic compositions. In his art, he depicted mythical, religious, and mystical stories with a fresh perspective and a modern approach. In his hands, miniature painting transcended a merely decorative art form and became a tool for expressing human emotions, mystical concepts, and divine love.

Shia Islam Theme in Mahmoud Farshchian’s Paintings

After a long absence of Shia topics in Iranian painting, Mahmoud Farshchian incorporated them into his works. Farshchian, as one of the most famous painters of the contemporary period, created a new experience in painting with Shia topics, which was welcomed by the public.

Farshchian, who was born in a religious family and trained under a Shiite system of ceremonies such as pilgrimage, mourning, and resorting, has deeply affected and founded a Shia Islam aesthetics of his own. Like his family, especially his mother, he has gained his most effective educational experience in Mirza Emami’s workshop.

Trained by Mirza, Farshchian gradually achieved a vision toward art; a vision that identifies art concerning theosophy. These two factors have deeply led him to represent Shiite topics with special characteristics of his own. Moreover, his other masters, like Issa Bahadori, and his trips to European countries to study the masterpieces of art in museums have also been influential.

the approach he chose and his inclination towards Shia islam topics are related to theosophical understanding of art and social condition in which he created his works. Shia Islam paintings in past schools of Iranian painting, like the Ilkhanid, the Timurid, and the Safavid schools, were made to identify and defend the Shiite beliefs, which were gradually being welcomed by rulers and the public.

After many years of absence, concluding the Qajar period and the first Pahlavid era in contemporary time, Farshchian has connected Shia topics to painting.

Farshchian has put his stress on meaning and feelings

On the other hand, based on a theosophical approach, the painter has focused on an empathetic and conceptual representation of Shiite topics about Imams and their status rather than a physical and narrative one.

In this approach, Farshchian has put his stress on meaning and feelings. According to this approach, the artist has formed his Shia islam themes in two sorts: firstly, themes regarding meanings related to Imams (AS) such as birth, martyrdom, asylum, pleading, guardianship, helplessness, orphanage and final coming of Imam Mahdi (AJ), and secondly, themes referring to placement of Imam (AS) in this world and the world after death, like mediation, substitution, holiness, etc.

He has reduced decorative elements to let the viewers seek the meaning; he has also used curved and non-figurative lines to protect the figures and things from materiality. He has handled the colors in a significant way and emptied the space to reduce the physicality of the space, as well as emphasizing meaning and emotions.

Way artist has used white and green colors is highly under Shia Islam beliefs

The way the artist has used colors such as white and green is highly under Shia beliefs and ceremonies. Such a process of creation helps the Shia Muslims  community to unify around the Imam (AS), which is the core concept of Shiite identity. This function of the Shia works of Farshchian is achieved through the way his works are used and displayed. The museum in which the works are kept is in the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) . Some of his works are used widely in illustration for religious activities.

His enduring works like “Asr-e Ashura” (The Evening of Ashura) and “Zamen-e Ahoo” (The Guarantor of the Deer), created with exemplary finesse and deep emotion, demonstrate his skill in blending art and meaning.

The Evening of Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) is commemorated

The Evening of Ashura” is a painting by world-famous Iranian artist Mahmoud Farshchian. The painting depicts Imam Hussain’s (AS) family in grief upon the return of his horse without its rider.

In ‘The Evening of Ashura’, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) is commemorated. Imam (AS) is unseen in the illustration, and his horse is shown returning to the tents alone, highlighting his martyrdom, leaving the viewers with deep and bitter sorrow. Dark colors and the depiction of mourning girls and women contribute greatly to creating this emotion.

The Evening of Ashura, the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) is commemorated

Farshchian: I especially like The Evening of Ashura Painting

Farshchian said: “I like those paintings of mine that are popular with the people; however, I especially like ‘The Evening of Ashura’, which is due to my attachment and love of Imam Hussain (AS) and Ashura. If I had to paint this picture again, it would be the same.”

Farshchian depicts Imam Ali (AS) kindness

World-renowned Iranian miniaturist Mahmoud Farshchian has created a painting featuring the kindness of Imam Ali (AS) toward the orphans. World-renowned Iranian miniaturist Mahmoud Farshchian has created a painting featuring the kindness of Imam Ali (AS) toward the orphans. The painting titled ‘Refuge’ is themed on the first Shia Imam (AS).

Farshchian has depicted three stages of the life of Imam Ali (AS) in three paintings, including ‘Refuge’ that illustrates Imam Ali’s (AS) hospitality, kind nature, and care for the orphans. He has portrayed the Imam without revealing his face while hugging two orphans like a caring father.

‘Born in Ka’ba’, based on the story of Imam Ali’s mother, Fatimah Bent-e Asad (SA), depicts her cuddling her new born baby. The color white is dominant, and angels are painted all around the picture.

‘Ghadir Khumm’, the occasion when Imam Ali (AS) was appointed as the first Imam by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Born in KAba: Based on the story of Imam Ali’s (AS) mother

The shelter: Imam Ali (AS) and orphans

Ghadir Khumm, The occasion when Imam Ali (AS) was appointed as the first Imam

Guarantor of the Gazelle is the name of two of Farshchian’s paintings

‘Guarantor of the Gazelle’ is the name of two of his other paintings that illustrate the story of Imam Reza (AS) saving a gazelle from a hunter. In the first painting, Imam Reza is reflected surrounded by light, and the gazelle is sheltered in his embrace. In the second painting, as Farshchian explains, the gazelle and its baby have returned to thank Imam Reza, while the hunter is remorseful.

Guarantor of Gazelle: Based on story of Imam Reza (AS) and a hunter who was about to hunt a Gazelle

International Standing and Global Influence

Master Farshchian introduced Iranian miniature painting to the world by holding numerous exhibitions in various countries. His works have been displayed and praised by critics and art enthusiasts in prestigious museums such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the British Museum, and many others.

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