Exhibitions Home | Current | Upcoming | Past | Virtual

Love and Yearning: Mystical and Moral Themes in Persian Poetry and Paintings

August 30, 2003 - February 22, 2004

Museum: Sackler Gallery

Location: Vever Galleries

Lyrical poetry has been one of the principal sources of inspiration for painters and calligraphers throughout the Persian world. In this exhibition, 26 illustrated manuscripts, detached paintings, and several textiles, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, highlight some of the central mystical and moral themes in Persian poetry and painting and explore the relationship between text and image. Manuscripts on view include pages from Nizami's Khamsa (Quintet) and Jami's Haft Awrang (Seven Thrones).

Note: Includes an interactive touch-screen station where visitors can view all 28 minutely detailed illustrations of the Freer's Haft Awrang. An audio feature describes the production of the manuscript, its patrons and artists.

Online Exhibition