Tehran – The world of Islamic art history lamentes the loss of Sheila R. Canby, one of the most prominent figures who passed away this week.
As a pioneering curator, prolific author and dedicated scholar, Canby’s work deeply shaped the understanding and appreciation of Persian and Islamic art for both academic audiences and the public.
Canby’s incredible career was defined by the leadership of two of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. She served as a curator of Islamic Art and Ancients at the British Museum in London, and later curator of Patty Cadby Birch, who is in charge of the Bureau of Islamic Art at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. A fellow of the Royal Asian Society, her expertise was built on the formidable academic foundation with degrees from Vassar College and Master’s and Ph.D. From Harvard University.
Her academic focus was particularly keen on the art of miniature paintings from the Safavid era and Persian. This deep knowledge was best illustrated in the award-winning book, Persian Art in the Golden Age 1501-1722. She was awarded the International Farabi Festival Award, a testament to the respect for her work ordered in Iran itself.
Many other publications, including Persian paintings, Shah Abbas: Iranian remakes, and Shah Tahasp’s magnificent entitled Shahnama’s grandeur, remain essential readings on the ground.
In a statement expressing the sadness of dol to the art history and archaeological community, particularly the experts of the Islamic era in Iran, Jebrael Nokandeh, director of the Iranian National Museum, said Dr. Kambie enjoyed a fruitful and informative collaboration with past museums. He emphasized that her articles were published in catalogs and books from several museum exhibitions, particularly in the famous Iran: Cradle of Civilization. He concluded by saying: “Her paths are a huge loss, but her enormous contributions ensure that her name and heritage are forever encompassed in the cultural memory of both the Islamic world and global art history.”
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