Art in the Western world entered a new epoch in the 19th century as a result of drastic political, social and technological changes. Industrial Revolutions profoundly affected the evolution of Western art in all its forms. Persian arts were likewise forever changed during the 19^th century, in part due to exposure to seminal Western influences.  Important Iranian painters of the time either studied in Europe, or brought to other Iranian painters modern European techniques in painting.  These Iranian painters brought innovative ideas, techniques and technologies into the sphere of Persian painting.

“Miras – The Legacy of 19^th Century Persian Painting” introduces the art of painting in Iran’s Qajar Epoch (1785-1925) and explores how key figures of the time paved the way for attempts to transition from traditional to modern in Persian painting.  Interviews with art historians, museum curators and other academic authorities provide an overview of political and social changes during the Qajar Epoch—changes that facilitated the adoption of modern ideas in Iran.

The documentary showcases the work of such key painters as Sani al-Mulk (ca. 1814-1866); Muzayyen al-Dowleh (1843-1932); and Kamal al-Mulk (1847-1940).  These artists’ creative appropriation of European artistic techniques and ideas caused the refashioning of traditional Iranian painting.

In addition to interviews, “Miras” uses images of paintings, films and other archival materials to offer a broad analysis of influential Qajar painters and their legacy of modernism in Persian art.  The target audiences include faculty and students in art and art history; academic programs in Iranian and Middle East studies; and general art enthusiasts.  University libraries, related academic programs and cultural institutions would also consider the documentary for both academic understanding and art enrichment.