About
What is Persian painting, and how does it relate to us in the current age?
This forthcoming online talk offers a focused art-historical introduction to Persian miniature painting. We will begin the journey with the definition of the genre, considering the scale, craftsmanship, and visual analysis of miniature imagery. We then explore the manuscripts within Safavid court culture, the treatment of illuminated books as luxury commodities and instruments of political representation, along with the evolution of Persian Miniature Schools and the emergence of shifting styles for distinct provincial expressions. Finally, we will examine the pictorial space between Persian and Western examples and consider the miniatures’ poetic and conceptual strategies in representing human experience.
Part of this year’s Miniature Atelier: Traditions & Techniques in Persian Miniature Painting.
What days/times do I attend?
Monday 13 July 2026, 18:00 -19:30 British Summer Time (GMT+1)
How do I attend the online class?
This lecture will take place on Zoom, an online meeting platform. A link for joining the Zoom meeting will be in your confirmation email after booking.
Online Learning
What if I have questions during the lecture?
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions during the talk.
I live in a different time zone, can I still attend?
We encourage you to attend the talk in real time to really benefit from the live experience. This talk will not be recorded.
Tips:
You must download the Zoom app and create a free account before the class begins, so that you can use the full range of features:
You can create your free account here
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Lecture up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date. This lecture requires a minimum number of enrolments to run.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
No refunds or cancellations, unless cancelled by the School.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Lecturer Biography
Fatima Zahra Hassan
Fatima Zahra Hassan is a visual artist, miniature painter, educator, and researcher whose work revolves around the rich artistic traditions of the Islamic world and South Asia. She studied at the National College of Arts in Lahore before continuing her education at the Royal College of Art in London, where she completed her MA with distinction.
Fatima Zahra is regarded as a pioneer in introducing and promoting the practice of Indian, Mughal, and Persian miniature painting in the United Kingdom. Her work reflects a deep engagement with the practical and intellectual traditions of Islamic art, with a particular focus on the art of the book from South Asia and Iran.
