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The Lovers
Additional Images (5)

The Lovers

Painting by Riza-yi `Abbasi
(ca. 1565–1635)

Object Name: Illustrated single work
Date: dated A.H. 1039/ A.D. 1630
Geography: Iran, Isfahan
Culture: Islamic
Medium: Opaque watercolor, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions: Painting: H. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm) W. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm) Page: H. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm) W. 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm) Mat: H. 19 1/4 in. (48.9 cm) W. 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Classification: Codices
Credit Line: Purchase, Francis M. Weld Gift, 1950
Accession Number: 50.164
Not on view
Description Object Information Related Objects Online Resources Video Audio
The artist Riza‑yi 'Abbasi revolutionized Persian painting and drawing with his inventive use of calligraphic line and unusual palette. He painted The Lovers toward the end of a long, successful career at the Safavid court. The subject of a couple entwined reflects a newly relaxed attitude to sensuality introduced in the reign of Shah Safi (r. 1629–42). Here the figures are inextricably bound together, merged volumes confined within one outline.
  • Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

    Signature: Signed and dated by Riza-yi `Abbasi

    Inscription: Signature and date in Persian in nasta‘liq script:
    در روز 3 شنبه هشتم شهر شوال/ با إقبال سنهٔ 1039 به إتمام رسید. رقم کمینه رضاء عباسى/ ه
    Completed on Tuesday, eighth of Shawwal, from the fortunate year of
    A.H. 1039 [May 21, 1630 A.D.]. Painted by the humble Riza-yi ‘Abbasi

  • Provenance

    Friedrich Sarre, Berlin (by 1910–at least 1931); his wife, Maria Sarre, Ascona, Switzerland, (until 1950; sold to Paul Kempner forMMA)

Some related objects from the collection
Study of a Bird

Study of a Bird
Painting by Riza-yi `Abbasi
(ca. 1565–1635)
Date: dated A.H. 1043/A.D. 1634
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
Accession Number: 1985.2
Not on view

The Old man and the Youth

The Old man and the Youth
Painting by Riza-yi `Abbasi
(ca. 1565–1635)
Date: second quarter 17th century
Medium: Ink, transparent and opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Accession Number: 25.68.5
On view in Gallery 462

Man in a Fur-Lined Coat

Man in a Fur-Lined Coat
Painting by Riza-yi `Abbasi
(ca. 1565–1635)
Date: ca. 1600
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Accession Number: 55.121.39
On view in Gallery 462

Man in a Long-sleeved Coat

Man in a Long-sleeved Coat
Riza-yi `Abbasi
(ca. 1565–1635)
Date: ca. 1598
Medium: Ink on paper
Accession Number: 25.83.8
Not on view

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