Safavid Art and Architecture

Sheila R. Canby

Under the Safavid rulers (1501-1722) art and architecture in Iran flourished and attained new heights of beauty and brilliance. Representing the latest work of many of the foremost international scholars in this field, this volume contains nineteen papers given at a recent conference at The British Museum. They deal with aspects of Safavid painting, architecture, archaeology, metalworks, textiles, ceramics and the conservation of works on paper, and demonstrate the revival of the study of later Iranian art in recent years. The broad range of subjects covered signals a lively area of research that has benefited from the increased interchange between scholars from Europe, the USA and Iran as well as a more open view in Iran towards foreign travellers: indeed, several of the papers included here could not have been written without access to sites there. In addition, the increased availability of historical sources and scientific advances in a number of areas are helping to provide new insights into the artistic achievements of one of the most compelling periods of modern history.

Price: US$69.95