TEHRAN – Four paintings by the late Iranian master Mahmoud Farshityan from the collection of the Mostazaffan Foundation were unveiled and exhibited on loan for a month at the Farshitsyan Museum in Tehran’s Sadabad Palace complex.
The unveiling ceremony was held on Friday, the 23rd anniversary of the museum’s opening. Also on display were some Farsian painting tools and some of the shrine designs of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Imam of the Shia sect. The event was attended by cultural figures, painters and art lovers.
The titles of the four paintings on display are “The Broken Pitcher” (Sab-e-Shekaste), “The Glory of Flight” (Shokouhe Parvaz), “Bird on the Branch” (Parandegan Bar Shaksar), and “Sama.”
Created in 1969 using white and gold gouache on cardboard, Broken Pitcher marked a turning point in Farcian’s style, moving from traditional miniature textures to a deeper three-dimensional space. The central figure expresses sadness and longing, symbolizing the philosophical and mystical themes of liberation and loss.
View of the Farshitian Museum in the Saadabad Palace complex, north of Tehran
Birds on the Branch, painted in acrylic on cardboard in 1970, is a modern reinterpretation of the classic flower and bird motif. The dark background contrasts with the golden bird in motion, symbolizing life and growth in the dark.
“The Glory of Flight,” also from 1970, depicts 14 birds in flight with golden lines on a black background, emphasizing movement and freedom.
Created in 1975 in ink and watercolor on paper, “Sama” showcases dynamic, flowing line drawings that reflect the mystical Farcian calligraphy. The swirling shapes evoke a spiritual dance and trance-like state, merging space, form and content into a unified expression.
Falcian in an undated photo
Born in 1930, Farshitian was an influential Iranian painter and educator who revitalized Persian miniature painting by fusing classical aesthetics with innovative techniques. His work has been exhibited all over the world, contributing to the international reconception of the art form.
According to the organizers, this special exhibition aims to offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience these important works in the artist’s dedicated museum at Sadabad Palace.
morning