Artistic self - consciousness in historical context (Case study: Sadeqi Beg Kitabdar in the Safavid era)

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Graduated in Comparative and Analytical History of Islamic Art, Tehran University of Art, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate professor, Department of Painting, Faculty of Visual Arts, Tehran University of Art

10.22034/scart.2025.140899.1481

Abstract

Sadeqi Beg Kitabdar, a prominent Safavid artist and head librarian under Shah Abbas I, is renowned for his contributions to poetry and literature. His works stand out from those of his contemporaries, indicating a unique character and approach that diverged from the norms of his time. Criticisms directed at him during his lifetime now serve as examples of profound self-awareness within a humanistic framework. This research aims to analyze the impact of Sadeqi's self-awareness on the development of Persian painting. The study focuses on Sadeqi's self-awareness and its role in shaping his artistic actions. Key inquiries include the disparity between external perceptions of Sadeqi's personality and his self-portrayal in his works. Employing qualitative strategies such as comparative analysis and case studies, the research seeks to address these questions. Results suggest that differences between Sadeqi's viewpoints and external perceptions stem from a clash of cultural paradigms—a theistic worldview prevalent in his era versus Sadeqi's humanistic perspective. Sadeqi expressed his self-awareness through various means, including self-praise, admiration for his art, and the production of Tazkira books and Qanun Al-Suvar. In summary, Sadeqi Beg Kitabdar's self-awareness transcends his time, providing insights into the confluence of culture, art, and individual identity during the Safavid period. Through his distinct approach and self-expression, Sadeqi contributed significantly to the artistic landscape of his era and beyond.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sociology of Culture and Art

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 10 June 2025

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