Persian art from Tamerlane to Safavid Iran

About this course

The course examines how Timurid and Safavid rulers shaped Persianate art through patronage, including ceramic-clad architecture, tile decoration and imperial library workshops. It considers the development of painting, calligraphy, design and the arts of the book, alongside ceramics, metalware, carpets and woven silk textiles. Slide-led lectures introduce the period’s political and cultural context, artists and craft industries, while group discussion considers the influence of Timurid and Safavid visual culture beyond their territories. Handouts and further resources accompany the teaching.

What you'll learn

• Explain how Timurid and Safavid political and cultural environments influenced artistic patronage.
• Identify artists and examples associated with the royal library workshops.
• Describe developments in painting, calligraphy, design and the arts of the book.
• Examine the role of ceramics, metalwork, carpets and textiles in the period’s decorative arts.
• Discuss the influence of Timurid and Safavid visual culture beyond their borders.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels and is taught through live lectures, slide presentations and group discussion. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. Familiarity with Google Classroom, or willingness to learn it, will help with accessing course materials.

• Suitable for learners without a specified level of prior study.
• Includes participation in group discussion alongside lecture-based teaching.
• Requires access to Google Classroom for digital handouts and additional resources.

Before you go

• A notebook may be useful for taking notes, and a folder may be used to organise printed handouts.
• Handouts and additional resources are shared digitally through Google Classroom.
• The course is delivered live in person and is not recorded for playback.