"There's no break in the line; there's no hesitation in the hand of the artist."
Curator Sheila Canby on a Persian drawing of a horseman and groom.
Explore this object:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/447803
Throughout 2013, The Met invited curators from across the Museum to each talk about one artwork that changed the way they see the world. Each episode is interpreted by a Museum photographer.
Photography by Eileen Travell
Subscribe for new content from The Met: https://www.youtube.com/user/metmuseum?sub_confirmation=1
#TheMet #ArtExplained #Art
The economy of this Persian pen drawing wouldn't be possible without calligraphy
"There's no break in the line; there's no hesitation in the hand of the artist."
Sheila Canby
2 min. watch
Contributors
Sheila Canby
Patti Cadby Birch Curator in Charge, Department of Islamic Art
Patti Cadby Birch Curator in Charge, Department of Islamic Art
More from The Met
"In this portrait of her contemporary, Helene Schjerfbeck has revealed a moment of truth, repelled and secreted away."
Leena Krohn
December 18, 2025
Video
October 23, 2025
Video
October 22, 2025
Art Mentioned
A slider containing 1 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.