The survey of transformation of the demon illustration in Iranian painting with emphasis on Shahnameh illustrations

Abstract

The Shahnameh, as an epic work, has always been the source of artistic creations. Demon's play roles as the evil creatures in Shahnameh stories. And according to this, the analysis of demon illustrations over time can provide insights into the cultural and artistic conditions of various historical periods and Iranian painting schools. This article aims to understand the analytical historical course of the concept and the role of Demon in literature and Shahnameh and its consequences in Shahnameh illustration in the following questions: 1) in the historical course What are the changes to Demon illustration in contrast to its role in literature? 2) What are the Formal and Visual Features of the Demons image in Shahnameh Pictures? To this aim, the famous Shahnameh manuscripts of Iranian art history from the rule of the Mongols and specifically the Injus until the end of the Qajar period were studied. The statistical population of the study consisted of 5 Shahnamehs, 733 AH, Baysunghuri, Joki, Tahmasebi and Shahnameh Davari and 8 paintings contain demons image,which have 4 White demon, 2 Akwan, 1 Arjang and 18 other Demons. The results of the study show that demon illustration became a special identity by repeating the visual traditions of the painters. Apparent traits such as the shape of the limbs, the manner of covering the demon, the type of jewelry, and the use of semi-human semi-animal compounds in the shape of the skull and the appearance of the demon have become recurring common factors, and over time have brought the Demons features in the Shahnameh paintings closer together. On the other hand, while adhering to the Demons characteristics of the Shahnameh as well as the oral traditions, the painters have prioritized the tradition of painting and artistic creativity in some cases. Negative traits such as violence and mischief have also been created by utilizing predatory animal components such as lions or cats and dogs, and the use of human traits in demons can be attributed to the Demons positive traits, such as being a teacher, being a musician, and commanding.