Exhibitions

Nasta'liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy

September 13, 2014 – May 3, 2015
Album folio Signed by Sultan Ali Mashhadi (d. 1520)

Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC

Sublevel 1, Vever Galleries

See on Map Floor Plan

Nasta'liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy is the first exhibition of its kind to focus on nasta'liq, a calligraphic script that developed in the 14th century in Iran and remains one of the most expressive forms of aesthetic refinement in Persian culture to this day. More than 20 works ranging from 1400 to 1600, the height of nasta'liq's development, tell the story of the script's transformation from a simple conveyer of the written word into an artistic form on its own. The narrative thread emphasizes the achievements of four of the greatest master calligraphers, whose manuscripts and individual folios were and still are appreciated not only for their content, but also for their technical virtuosity and visual quality.