SADEGH TABRIZI | UNTITLED

Acquired directly from the artist

Thence by descent to the present owner

Sadegh Tabrizi (1938-2017), a prominent Iranian artist was a pioneering figure in the Saqqahaneh School – an artistic school that formed in 1960s Iran. Their style can be described as neo-traditional modern art, combining elements of Iranian folk art and culture, characterized by a heavy use of symbolism. In this way, their work was highly experimental at the time.

The combination of diverse artistic styles and mediums were a defining feature of Tabrizi’s oeuvre. Trained in miniature painting, Tabrizi also explored multiple mediums such as ceramics and metalwork. The depth of his practice can further be seen in the influences of Qajar painting in many of his portraits. Calligraphic elements also found their way into his oeuvre – sometimes as the sole subject matter of a work, in others, Tabrizi would often combine calligraphy with his portraiture.

The work illustrated here is a wonderful example of the merging of aesthetic styles and traditional artistic practices. The female figure is painted in a style reminiscent of both Persian miniature drawing and Qajar portraiture – particularly in the rendering of the face as a focal point of the canvas. The motif designs that surround the central figure, visually draw on Islamic design, and are further lined with religious script. The Farsi text in the script above the figure is a saying attributed to Imam Ali, quoting the prophet Mohammed.

“The truthful prophet has said

As much as you can search for truthful endeavors”

In essence, the quote states that, in all that you do and wish and aim for, search for that which is true.

Additionally, the names: “Allah, Mohammed, Ali and Fatemah” are written into and throughout the surrounding motif (Ali is the Prophet’s son-in-law, Fatemah is the Prophet’s daughter).

This messaging alongside the clear erotic rendering of the figure is rare – the subject matter, particularly in Iran would have been challenging even in pre-revolutionary Iran (ahead of the Islamic revolution of 1979). Compositionally, this is a unique work by Tabrizi to appear at auction. It dares to place the erotic against the holy and challenges (and complicates) the notion of holy and taboo in a shared space.