Mirror Hall

Mirror Hall
ArtistKamal-ol-Molk
Year1876
MediumOil on canvas
MovementRealism
Dimensions90 cm × 100 cm (35 in × 39 in)
LocationGolestan Palace, Tehran

Mirror Hall (Persian: تالار آینه) is an oil on canvas painting by Iranian realist painter Kamal-ol-Molk, his first work since receiving the title Kamal-ol-Molk ("Perfection of the Realm").[1][2] It is considered one of his masterpieces, and marks a starting point in Iran's modern art.[3][4]

The painting was executed in over five years,[2] depicting Qajar ruler Naser-ed-Din Shah sitting on a chair in front of a window at the Mirror Hall of the Golestan Palace, where the Qajar dynasty resided.[3]

The completion of the painting coincided with the Qajar ruler's murder in 1896, and the rise of Mozaffar-ed-Din Shah, the fifth Qajar ruler.[3]

Kamal-ol-Molk was later questioned about the theft of some precious gems located at the hall, but the actual culprit was eventually found.[3]

The Mirror Hall is famous for its remarkable mirror work. It was designed by architect Abul Hassan Memar Bashi Esfahani (d. 1245-1305 AH / 1829-1888 AD) (nicknamed Sani-ol-Molk), while Minister of Architecture Yahya Khan (Mowtamed-ol-Molk) was the consultant.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Kamal-ol-Molk Paintings Join National Heritage List". Financial Tribune. September 17, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Gumpert, Lynn; Balagh, Shiva (2002). Picturing Iran: Art, Society and Revolution. I. B. Tauris. pp. 41–42. ISBN 9781860648830.
  3. ^ a b c d "Kamāl-al-Molk, Moḥammad Ḡaffāri". Encyclopædia Iranica. Vol. XV. pp. 417–433. Retrieved July 13, 2017.
  4. ^ "Kamal Al Molk: Introducer of European Classical Realism into Persian Painting". Tasnim News Agency. March 19, 2017.

See also[edit]