The Study of the Themes of "Holy Conversation" and "Annunciation" in the Timurid Miraj'nama and the Masterworks of Fra Angelico

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PH.D, Member of Academic Board of Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 M.A. in Art Research, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

3 M.A. in Painting, Art University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

The first and forth illustrations of the Timurid "Book of Ascension" (ca. 1436-37 A.D.), otherwise known as "Mir Haydar's Mirajnama" respectively depict the themes of annunciation to prophet Mohammad and conversation and prayer of prophets at Al-Aqsa mosque. Among the most significant themes illustrated by Fra Angelico (1400-1455A.D.), an Italian painter of the Early Renaissance and a Christian monk, are the annunciation to Mary and the holy conversation of saints. This research, using analytic-descriptive method and library studies method, structurally explores the visual and figurative similarities between these inter-thematic and outsourcing- interreligious paintings which are created approximately at the same time. 
The results of this study show that although these visual similarities, which are originated from somewhat common themes and beliefs in both religious cultures of Islam and Christianity, can support a direct or indirect influence of the Early Renaissance painters on Muslim artists of this manuscript, all the more so are the results of the similar visual thinking of their creators in depiction of religious themes. The hidden geometry of these Timurid Mirajnama illustrations reveals a conscious or unconscious and parallel work of its creators with the visual knowledge of Italian Early Renaissance artists as well as its fruitful endeavor to maintain the visual traditions of Islamic Persian painting.

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 March 2013
  • Revise Date: 05 July 2013
  • Accept Date: 09 October 2013

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