Stylistic Tendencies at the Time of Shah ᶜabbas

Abstract

Among the many creative periods in the artistic history of Isfahan, two are outstanding: that of the Seljuqs in the eleventh and twelfth centuries and that of Shāh ᶜAbbās I (1587-1629). But, while the Seljuq period is primarily represented by one monument, the Masjid-i Jamīᶜ, that of Shāh ᶜAbbās is mirrored not only by many important buildings of great aesthetic appeal, but by the decorative arts, paintings, and drawings as well. Indeed, it presents itself in such a characteristic manner that one can readily compare it with any of the great artistic periods of Western art, such as the Gothic or Baroque ages, where architecture, sculpture, painting and the decorative arts are all unmistakably stamped with the specific imprint of the time.