Persian Painting (U04231)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : ACE-4-U04231

This course traces the development of Persian painting from its emergence in the wake of the Mongol invasions until the apogee of its classical style at the turn of the 16th century. Focusing on a cultural area stretching from Baghdad to Samarqand, it explores the way in which this masterly tradition was gradually articulated by a succession of patrons, artists and ateliers. We will investigate the fertile encounter of the Arab pictorial tradition with the arts of China and Europe during Mongol rule; the refinement of this style under the descendants of Timur in Central Asia; and its culmination with their successors in Iran. Among the major themes considered will be cultural exchange and the relation between painting, literature and society.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : A pass in either History of Art 2 or Architectural History 2a and 2b.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

History of Art, (School of Arts, Culture and Environment, Schedule A)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
15/01/2009	09:00	10:50

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Tutorial	Thursday	09:00	10:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : Seminars will take place on Thursdays from 0900-1050 and from 1110-1300. Students will attend one of these sessions.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The course has several aims. Students are expected to gain an understanding of the major phases of classical Persian painting and learn how to read works of art as witnesses of the society that produced them. They will thereby apply the skills acquired in earlier years to a unique facet of Islamic culture: visual analysis, the articulation of clear and concise arguments, acquainting oneself with a body of specialised literature in a short period of time and adopting a critical stance towards the printed word. The course will also involve firsthand experience of illustrated manuscripts at Edinburgh University Library.