Persian Manuscripts, Paintings and Drawings: From the 15th to the Early 20th Century in the Hermitage Collection

This volume covers the Persian miniature and the arts connected with it - including illustrated and illuminated manuscripts, single-page miniatures and drawings, painted lacquer and oils on canvas, presented side by side to give an overall picture of the development of the arts of Iran over five centuries. The most comprehensive catalogue yet of these collections, it comprises more than 400 works, dating from the 15th to the early 20th centuries, the majority of which are in the Museum’s reserves and not normally on show in the permanent exhibition. Included are essays on the development of Persian painting and drawing in this period; the production of lacquer; later works mass-produced for the public; Russian-Persian relations; and an overview of items in the Museum’s collections and their provenance. Particular analysis is given to the 1431 Khamsah of Nizami, an undisputed masterpiece, and the Polovstov Album, a unique collection of miniatures, drawings and calligraphy.