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Busch-Reisinger Museum Scrapbook, 1973-1974

ARCH.2013.5.16, Rendition: 799580

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The image is a page from a newsletter, specifically Volume 11, Number 1, dated February 1974. It is from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The main content of the newsletter discusses an exhibition titled "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan," which was held at the Fogg Art Museum from January 19 through February 24, 1974. The exhibition focused on the artistic achievements during the reign of Shah 'Abbas I, who ruled Iran from 1587 to 1629. Shah 'Abbas is noted for establishing greater order and prosperity in Iran and for moving the capital to Isfahan, which became a center for trade and artistic development.

The text highlights that the exhibition was curated by Basil Gray, a professor at the University of Edinburgh and an expert on Persian art. The exhibition included a variety of artworks such as paintings, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Isfahan period. The art of Isfahan is described as appreciating both structural quality and surface decoration, reflecting a blend of aesthetic and functional values.

The newsletter also mentions a handbook available for the exhibition and an international colloquium on the arts and culture of Isfahan, which was attended by scholars from around the world. The colloquium aimed to share and expand the existing body of knowledge about Isfahan's cultural contributions between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Additionally, there is an illustration of a drawing titled "Lion Tamer," attributed to Shah 'Abbas, dated circa 1600, which is part of the exhibition. The drawing is executed in black pen and measures approximately 14.6 x 21.5 centimeters.

Overall, the newsletter provides an overview of the exhibition, its significance, and the cultural context of the arts during the reign of Shah 'Abbas.

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The image shows an open page from a newsletter titled "FOGG ART MUSEUM NEWSLETTER," Volume 11, Number 1, dated February 1974. The page is from the Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The page features an article about the exhibition "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan," which took place from January 19 to February 24, 1974. The article discusses the reign of Shah 'Abbas I, who became King of Iran in 1587 and stabilized the country's political and economic situation. He shifted the Iranian capital from Qazvin to Isfahan, making it a central hub for trade and a symbol of his power. The exhibition explores the cultural and artistic achievements during the Shah's reign, which lasted for 125 years.

The text highlights that the art of Isfahan is not just about originality or structural quality but also about immediate impact and emotional resonance. It mentions three primary elements of the art: "the 'useful,'" exemplified by crafts and architecture; "the 'monumental,'" seen in grand structures; and the "connoisseur taste," represented by fine arts like painting, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork.

The exhibition aims to present a variety of art forms from Isfahan, including paintings, calligraphy, and elegant textiles and carpets. It also discusses the efforts of the Italian Institute for the Study of the Middle and Far East in gathering materials for the exhibition. The exhibition catalog, illustrated by Prof. Welch, is available for $6.95.

The page includes an image of a drawing attributed to Sadiqi Bek, titled "Lion Tamer," dated around 1605. The drawing is noted to be from the Alpheus Hyatt Purchasing Fund.

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The image is a page from a newsletter, specifically Volume 11, Number 1, dated February 1974, from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University. The page primarily features an article about the exhibition "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan."

The article details the reign of Shah 'Abbas I, who became king of Iran in 1587, and his efforts to stabilize the country's political and economic situation. He transformed Isfahan into a prosperous and culturally vibrant capital, known for its art and architecture. The exhibition, scheduled from January 19 to February 24, explores the artistic achievements during this period, emphasizing the variety and importance of the art of Isfahan.

The exhibit includes paintings, calligraphy, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, which are representative of the artistic developments and aesthetic values of the time. The article highlights the significance of the art of Isfahan, noting that it is appreciated for its structural quality and beauty rather than just its originality.

The page also includes a small black-and-white illustration of a drawing attributed to Sadigat Bek, Lion Tamer, circa 1605, and a mention of the catalog of the exhibition available for purchase at $6.95.

Additionally, it mentions the Italian Institute for the Study of the Middle and Far East, which hosted the colloquium "The Arts of Isfahan" from January 21 to January 24, 1974. The article suggests this event aimed to deepen understanding of the artistic contributions of Isfahan during Shah 'Abbas' reign.

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The image shows a two-page spread from a newsletter, titled "FOGG ART MUSEUM," from Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is Volume 11, Number 1, dated February 1974. The left page features an article titled "SHAH 'ABBAS AND THE ARTS OF ISFAHAN," which discusses the reign of Shah Abbas, who became King of Iran in 1587. He shifted the capital to Isfahan, leading to a period of artistic and architectural flourishing. The article mentions an exhibition at the Fogg Art Museum from January 19 to February 24, 1974, showcasing art from this era, including paintings, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. It highlights the aesthetic principles of Isfahan art, which emphasize structural quality and beauty of form.

The right page features an illustration attributed to Sadiqi Bek, dated around 1605, titled "Lion Tamer." The drawing, done in black pen, is part of the Alphonso Hyal Purchasing Fund. The text next to the illustration further elaborates on the artistry of Isfahan, its focus on beauty and elegance, and the significance of the exhibition. The page also mentions an international colloquium on the art of Isfahan, which brought together scholars to discuss the city's rich cultural heritage from the fifteenth to the seventeenth centuries.

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The image displays a newsletter from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, dated February 1974. The newsletter is Volume 11, Number 1.

The main article is titled "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan," discussing the historical context and artistic achievements during the reign of Shah 'Abbas I, who became the King of Iran in 1587. Shah 'Abbas is noted for rescuing the Persian Empire from political and domestic instability and establishing Isfahan as the capital, transforming it into a center for trade and art.

The article explores the flourishing of various art forms during Shah 'Abbas's reign, including architecture, painting, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork. It raises questions about the role of art in reflecting political and economic goals, the immediate impact of art, and its lasting influence on future generations.

An exhibition titled "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan" is announced, which will be held at the Fogg Art Museum from January 19 through February 24, 1974. This exhibition aims to showcase the art and culture of Isfahan, featuring items such as paintings, calligraphy, textiles, carpets, ceramics, metalwork, and other artifacts from the period.

Additionally, a colloquium titled "The Arts and Culture of Isfahan" is scheduled for January 21 to January 24, where scholars will discuss various aspects of the rich cultural heritage of Isfahan during the time of Shah 'Abbas.

The newsletter also includes an illustration attributed to Sadiqi Bek, showing a map or plan related to Isfahan.

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The image is a page from a newsletter, specifically Volume 11, Number 1, dated February 1974, from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The page is titled "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan" and discusses an exhibition held at the museum from January 19 to February 24. The exhibition explores the arts during the reign of Shah 'Abbas, who ruled Iran from 1587 to 1629.

Key points mentioned include:

  • Shah 'Abbas I's establishment of greater order and prosperity in Iran, shifting the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan, which became a center for trade and cultural splendor.
  • The exhibition, curated by Anthony Welch, focuses on the art of Isfahan, highlighting its originality and structural quality.
  • The art of Isfahan is described as a mix of various artistic elements, including painting, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork, which cater to both connoisseur tastes and the broader populace.
  • The exhibition includes a wide range of artworks such as paintings, calligraphy, elegant textiles, and carpets.
  • The page also mentions a colloquium on "The Arts of Isfahan," held from January 21 to January 24, attended by scholars from around the world to discuss the existing body of knowledge on Isfahan’s art from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
  • An illustration of a drawing by Sadiqi Bek, dated 1605, is featured on the page, attributed to the collection of Lion Tamer, and purchased by the Alphens Hyatt Purchasing Fund.

The exhibition and colloquium aim to provide insights into the cultural and artistic achievements of Isfahan during Shah 'Abbas's reign.

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This is an image of an open printed publication. On the left side is a page of text, the top of which indicates that it is "Newsletter Volume 11, Number 1, February, 1974." The main article on this page is headed with "SHAH 'ABBAS AND THE ARTS OF ISFAHAN." The text discusses historical aspects related to Shah 'Abbas, including political stability, economic prosperity, and cultural developments during his reign, particularly focusing on the city of Isfahan and its arts.

On the right is the cover page of the publication, which reads in large red letters "FOGG ART MUSEUM" and beneath in smaller black letters "Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138." There is a grayscale image of an artwork that portrays a man riding on the back of a lion, wielding a sword or knife. Underneath the image, there is a caption that reads: "Attributed to Sadīqī Bek, Lion Tamer, ca. 1605, ink, opaque (white) paint, drawing, 141/4 x 23/8 centimeters, Prince Tuman Aka Purchase Fund."

The paper appears to be of a slightly creamy color, possibly due to age or the quality of the paper, and there is a visible shadow indicating the curved nature of the open publication. The details suggest that this may be a museum or academic journal or bulletin related to art history or an exhibition.

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The image shows a newsletter page from the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, dated February 1974, Volume 11, Number 1. The title at the top center reads "FOGG ART MUSEUM" in capital letters, with the location "Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138" below it.

The main article is titled "SHAH 'ABBAS AND THE ARTS OF ISFAHAN." The article discusses Shah 'Abbas I becoming King of Iran in 1587, his efforts to restore the empire, and the flourishing of the arts during the "Isfahan period" which lasted 125 years. The article emphasizes the art of Isfahan, describing its focus on precious, monumental, and useful elements such as architecture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and calligraphy. It also talks about an exhibition exploring this period held at the Fogg Museum from January 19 through February 24. The article mentions a catalogue by Prof. Welch available for purchase and a colloquium hosted by the museum.

On the right side of the page is an image of a drawing attributed to Sadiqi Bek titled "Lion Tamer," from around 1605. The drawing is done in black pen (siyah qalam) and shows a man holding a lion by the neck. The drawing size is 14.6 x 23.5 centimeters.

Overall, the newsletter promotes an exhibition and provides scholarly context on Shah 'Abbas I and the artistic heritage of Isfahan.

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The image shows a page from a publication titled "Fogg Art Museum", specifically from Volume 11, Number 1, dated February 1974. The publication is associated with Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Content Overview:

The page is divided into two main sections:


Left Section:

  • Title: "SHAH 'ABBAS AND THE ARTS OF ISFAHAN"
  • Description: This section discusses the reign of Shah 'Abbas I, who ruled Iran from 1587 to 1629. It highlights his efforts to stabilize and enrich the empire, including the establishment of Isfahan as the new capital. The text emphasizes the flourishing of the arts during this period, with Isfahan becoming a center of trade, power, and artistic expression. The article mentions an upcoming exhibition titled "Shah 'Abbas and the Arts of Isfahan", scheduled to run from January 19 through February 24.
  • Key Points:
    • Shah 'Abbas moved the capital from Qazvin to Isfahan.
    • Isfahan became a hub for trade and artistic innovation.
    • The exhibition will showcase the wealth and artistic achievements of the Safavid period.
    • The article quotes Anthony Welch, Assistant Professor of Art History at the University of Victoria, who describes Isfahan as a city of "exquisite objects."

Right Section:

  • Visual Element: An illustration depicting a lion being hunted or attacked by a hunter with a spear. The style appears to be a historical or artistic rendering, possibly from the 17th century.
  • Caption:
    • "Attributed to Sadiqi Beg, Hikäyät-i Timür, ca. 1605, siyäh (black pen) drawing, 14.4 x 21.3 cm; continuous; purchase, Alphonse Hyatt Purchasing Fund."
    • This indicates that the illustration is part of a historical manuscript or artwork attributed to Sadiqi Beg, dated around 1605, and is part of the museum's collection.
  • Textual Content:
    • Discusses the art of Isfahan, noting its appreciation for structural quality over mere originality or beauty.
    • Mentions Anthony Welch, who describes the art of Isfahan as "alluring and awesome."
    • Highlights the Director of Asia House Gallery, where the exhibition will be held, and notes that the Asia House Gallery will feature paintings, calligraphy, elegant textiles, carpets, ceramics, metalwork, and carvings from various museums and private collections.
    • The Institute for the Study in the Middle East and Far East has been involved in cleaning and restoring the drawings of Isfahan. A handsonely illustrated catalogue by Prof. Welch is available for $6.95.
    • The article also mentions a colloquium hosted by the Fogg from January 21 to January 24, attended by scholars from around the world to probe existing knowledge about Isfahan during the 15th and 17th centuries.

Design and Layout:

  • The page has a clean, structured layout typical of academic or museum publications.
  • The title "Fogg Art Museum" is prominently displayed at the top in bold red letters.
  • The text is organized into clear sections with headings and subheadings.
  • The illustration is placed centrally on the right side, with a detailed caption below it.
  • The overall design is professional and informative, aimed at an audience interested in art history, particularly the Safavid period and the city of Isfahan.

Key Themes:

  • Historical Context: Focuses on the Safavid dynasty under Shah 'Abbas I and the cultural and artistic achievements of Isfahan.
  • Exhibition Announcement: Promotes an upcoming exhibition at the Asia House Gallery.
  • Artistic Analysis: Discusses the unique qualities of Isfahan’s art, emphasizing structural integrity and aesthetic refinement.
  • Scholarly Engagement: Highlights academic involvement, including a colloquium and a published catalogue.

This page serves as both an informational piece and a promotional announcement for an exhibition, blending historical context with contemporary scholarly engagement.

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The image is a spread from a book or magazine featuring an article about the art and culture of Isfahan, Iran. The article discusses the reign of Shah Abbas I and the flourishing of arts and architecture during his rule. The left page includes a photograph of a lion, possibly symbolizing strength and power, and a caption that reads "A tribute to Sadiqi Bek, Lion Tamer, ca. 1605, silk, qalm (black pen) drawing." The right page contains a detailed description of the art and architecture of Isfahan, emphasizing its beauty and craftsmanship. The article also mentions an exhibition held at the Fogg Art Museum in January 1974, showcasing the arts of Isfahan.