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Eternal War, Second Circle

Samira Abbassy Iranian-American
2011
Not on view
"The Second Circle" is the second in a series of multipanel modular oil paintings by Samira Abbassy entitled "Eternal War" that charts the history of warfare from the pre-modern era to the present. All but the first and the last panels are interchangeable, allowing for the presentation of multiple narratives. Using the language of Persian miniature painting, the artist sensitively portrays the spectacles and grim realities of war and the cult of martyrdom. This series presents subtle allusions to battle paintings from the Shahnama and the Khamsa and oil paintings of the early nineteenth century.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Eternal War, Second Circle
  • Artist: Samira Abbassy (Iranian, born Ahwaz, 1965)
  • Date: 2011
  • Geography: Made in United States, New York
  • Medium: Oil on gesso
  • Dimensions: 12 panels: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
    W. 144 in. (365.8 cm)
    Each panel: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
    W. 12 in. (30.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Purchase, 2011 NoRuz at The Met Benefit, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.226a–l
  • Rights and Reproduction: © Samira Abbassy
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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