Imam ‘Ali as a Warrior
Reverse painting on glass is a decorative technique in which artists apply paint, gold leaf, and silver leaf to the back of a glass panel. The image is then viewed from the front, through the glass. The technique began in Europe and, after the seventeenth century, spread to China, India, Africa, and Iran. In Iran, it became especially popular in the early twentieth century, when artists used it to create portraits of rulers, princes, princesses, and royal couples.
This panel depicts Imam ‘Ali as a warrior in the service of faith. He is shown holding his sword and a shield, staring out at the visitor. The panel is signed: Tehran, ‘Abd al-Jalil – Shabih-i Amir (the likeness of Amir [referring to Imam ‘Ali [aka Amir al-mu’minin). This panel depicts Imam ‘Ali as a warrior in the service of faith. He is shown holding his sword and a shield as he stares out at the visitor. The panel is signed: Tehran, ‘Abd al-Jalil – Shabih-i Amir (the likeness of Amir [referring to Imam ‘Ali [aka Amir al-mu’minin). The image presents Imam ‘Ali as both a spiritual and military leader.Top of Form
This panel depicts Imam ‘Ali as a warrior in the service of faith. He is shown holding his sword and a shield, staring out at the visitor. The panel is signed: Tehran, ‘Abd al-Jalil – Shabih-i Amir (the likeness of Amir [referring to Imam ‘Ali [aka Amir al-mu’minin). This panel depicts Imam ‘Ali as a warrior in the service of faith. He is shown holding his sword and a shield as he stares out at the visitor. The panel is signed: Tehran, ‘Abd al-Jalil – Shabih-i Amir (the likeness of Amir [referring to Imam ‘Ali [aka Amir al-mu’minin). The image presents Imam ‘Ali as both a spiritual and military leader.Top of Form
Artwork Details
- Title: Imam ‘Ali as a Warrior
- Date: first half of 20th century
- Geography: Made in Iran
- Medium: Paint on glass
- Dimensions: H. 20 in. (50.8 cm)
W. 13 in. (33 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Object Number: 2026.275.15
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
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Persian
late 18th–19th century
Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian
2010
late 19th–early 20th century
first half of 20th century
19th century
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