Iran / Persia: Portrait of a scribe at work, artist unknown. Considered a portrait of Sayyid Husayn Yazdi, the scribe of the treatise on wonders of the world

Portrait of a scribe at work, artist unknown. Perhaps intended as a portrait of Sayyid Husayn Yazdi, the scribe of the treatise on wonders of the world comprising the volume. It was painted in Iran sometime before 1546 (953 H), when a large owner's stamp was placed below the painting.

Figural imagery does not normally appear in a religious context, but there was a vigorous tradition of figural representation in other contexts, particularly that of science and medicine. Many of the Arabic versions of Dioscorides preserved today are testimony to a continuing and flourishing tradition of scientific illustration. Several profusely illustrated copies were produced, for example, in Baghdad in the 13th century, one of which is notable for its scenes of people gathering and preparing medicaments. Human anatomy was also a topic to receive the attention of illustrators.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History