Persian Madonna and Child – by Mohammad Paolo Zaman Kerman – Catholic Art – Archival Quality

We love the warm colors of this painting and the Persian style of the scene it presents. Mary and Jesus are with John the Baptist, surrounded by Mideastern flowers, birds, and filigree. Mohammad Paolo Zaman Kermani (c. 1600s-1700) was a famous Persian artist and calligrapher. There was something of a rapprochement between Christianity and Islam at the time, and there is a legend that the Shah, Abbas II, had sent the talented young artist to Rome to study art, and that he returned a devout Roman Catholic with the baptized name Paolo. (source: wikipedia.com)The legend goes on that Mohammad had to flee to the Moghul Empire in India for protection. The Moghul Empire encouraged Christian art, producing many beautiful works. This piece was done between 1682-1683. The broken pillars in Catholic paintings usually represent the end of the old rites and the new life under the New Covenant. Pigment on paper. Image Size: H:43.5 x W:30.0 cm. Collection of Asian Civilisations Museum. ** IMPORTANT **