The Academy of Persian Language and Persianate Culture
Advanced Persian through History of Art Texts
Instructor: Peyman Eshaghi
About the course:
This 12-week advanced Persian course strengthens students’ ability to read and analyze sophisticated Persian prose through foundational texts on the history, theory, and practice of Iranian art. Focusing on Persian treatises and art-related writings—such as manuals of calligraphy and painting, artists’ biographies (tazkiras), architectural descriptions, and courtly reflections on aesthetics—the course trains students to engage directly with technical vocabulary, stylistic conventions, and evaluative discourse in art history. Emphasis is placed on close reading, genre awareness, and contextual interpretation. The course is especially beneficial for advanced Persian learners, graduate students, and scholars of art history, Islamic art, Iranian studies, and manuscript culture who seek direct access to Persian art discourse in original sources.
Content of the course:
Week 1 – Qābus-nāmeh (قابوسنامه) — Keykāvūs ibn Iskandar ibn Qābus
Selected chapters discuss arts, crafts, and refined conduct within courtly culture.
Students work with didactic Persian prose reflecting early aesthetic values.
Week 2 – Chahār Maqāleh (چهار مقاله) — Nezami-ye ʿAruzi Samarqandi
The section on scribes and calligraphers as essential court professionals.
Focus on evaluative language and norms of artistic excellence.
Week 3 – Golestān (گلستان) — Saʿdi of Shiraz
Art-related anecdotes addressing beauty, taste, and eloquent expression.
Attention to compressed prose style and aesthetic judgment.
Week 4 – Tārīkh-e Bayhaqi (تاریخ بیهقی) — Abu’l-Fażl Bayhaqi
Descriptive passages portraying courtly spaces, objects, and ceremonies.
Students analyze narrative visualization and elevated historical prose.
Week 5 – Ḥolal al-Sondos (حُلَلُالسُّندُس) — Qāzi Aḥmad Qomi
A Safavid biographical work on painters and calligraphers.
Focus on technical terminology and art-historical evaluation.
Week 6 – Golestān-e Honar (گلستان هنر) — Qāzi Aḥmad Qomi
The most important Persian tazkira of painters and calligraphers.
Close reading of artistic biography, patronage, and stylistic discourse.
Week 7 – Resāleh dar Khatṭ va Khatṭātān (رساله در خط و خطاطان) — attributed to Sultān-ʿAli Mashhadi
A treatise on the principles and aesthetics of calligraphy.
Students examine proportion, discipline, and metaphoric descriptions of script.
Week 8 – Tazkerat al-Khattātīn (تذکرة الخطاطین) — Qāzi Aḥmad Qomi
Biographical accounts of master calligraphers in the Persian tradition.
Analysis of praise formulae and aesthetic criteria.
Week 9 – Resāleh dar Naqqāshi (رساله در نقاشی) — attributed to Dust-Muhammad Heravi
A Persian treatise on painting, composition, and workshop practice.
Emphasis on technical vocabulary and visual narration.
Week 10 – Ādāb al-Mashq (آداب مشق) — Mir-ʿAli Tabrizi (attributed tradition)
A manual on calligraphic training and artistic discipline.
Focus on instructional prose and embodied artistic knowledge.
Week 11 – Safavid Court Chronicles (Art-Focused Passages) — Iskandar Beg Munshi
Descriptions of royal ateliers, patronage, and artistic production.
Students read historiographical Persian with an art-historical lens.
Week 12 – Qajar Art Treatises and Memoirs — multiple authors (e.g., Abu’l-Hasan Ghaffari (Ṣaniʿ al-Mulk))
Reflections on painting, portraiture, and artistic modernity.
Course Details:
Schedule: Fridays, 30 January 2026 – 10 April 2026
Time: 09:00–10:00 AM (US Pacific), 12:00–13:00 (US Eastern), 06:00–07:00 PM (Central European)
Format: 24 online sessions
Tuition: $600 (payable in 3 installments)
Notes:
Class days and times may be adjusted in accordance with the request of enrollees.
Registered participants will receive full access to recorded session videos and all course materials.