Poets of Iran and Iranian Lion
Parviz Tanavoli Iranian-Canadian
Not on view
The artist describes this bas-relief as "a testament to the power of poetry as a cornerstone of Persian identity."[1] Each of the six upright figures represents a poet that played a pivotal role in shaping Persian language, literature, and thought. From left to right these include: Ferdowsi (940–1020); Omar Khayyam (1048–1131); Nezami Ganjavi (d. 1209); Rumi (1207–1273); Saadi (ca. 1213–1291); and Hafez (ca. 1325–1390). Each is distinguished by symbols that speak to their respective contributions to poetry and culture. A lion behind the six poets serves as a symbol of strength and protection as well as structural support for the relief. Just as the poets stand as pillars of modern-day Iran’s literary and cultural heritage, the lion holds the relief together, embodying the foundational role of poetry in defining Persian/Iranian identity.
[1] Artist statement, February 7, 2025.
