Asr-i Ashura (painting)
The painting 'Asr-i 'Ashura, a masterpiece by Mahmud Farshchian, stands as one of the most celebrated visual representations of the Event of Karbala.[1] The artwork powerfully captures the poignant moment when the riderless horse of Imam al-Husayn (a) returns to the encampment on the evening of Ashura. Rendered in acrylic on cardboard, the painting measures 98 by 73 centimeters.[2]
Inspired by the profound spiritual resonance of the occasion, Farshchian composed this piece on the Day of 'Ashura in 1976.[3] In 1990, he generously donated the masterpiece to the Astan-i Quds-i Razawi Museum.[4] The painting is highly acclaimed for its masterful synthesis of traditional Persian artistic motifs with the tragic narrative of Ashura, garnering widespread admiration from the artistic community.[5]
Recognized for its profound cultural significance, the artwork is officially inscribed on the list of Iran's national heritage sites.[6] Furthermore, Farshchian himself regarded it as the pinnacle of his artistic achievements.[7]
Beyond this iconic piece, Farshchian (b. 1930 – d. 2025) produced a prolific portfolio, including renowned paintings such as Sham-i Ghariban and Zamin-i Ahu (The Guarantor of the Gazelle).[8] He also contributed significantly to Islamic architecture, designing several Zarih dedicated to the Imams (a) of the Shia. Today, a dedicated collection of his masterpieces is permanently exhibited at the Sa'dabad Cultural-Historical Complex.[9]
Notes
- ↑ The Manifestation of 'Asr-i 'Ashura in the Ashura Paintings of the Astan Quds Razavi Museum (Persian)
- ↑ The Manifestation of 'Asr-i 'Ashura in the Ashura Paintings of the Astan Quds Razavi Museum (Persian)
- ↑ Farshchian: "Watching 'Asr-i Ashura' even makes me cry myself (Persian).
- ↑ The painting by Master Mahmoud Farshchian titled "'Asr-i 'Ashura" was registered in the list of Iran's National Heritage (Persian)
- ↑ The painting by Master Mahmoud Farshchian titled "'Asr-i 'Ashura" was registered in the list of Iran's National Heritage (Persian).
- ↑ The painting by Master Mahmoud Farshchian titled "'Asr-i 'Ashura" was registered in the list of Iran's National Heritage (Persian)
- ↑ The Manifestation of 'Asr-i 'Ashura in the Ashura Paintings of the Astan Quds Razavi Museum (Persian)
- ↑ The painting by Master Mahmoud Farshchian titled "'Asr-i 'Ashura" was registered in the list of Iran's National Heritage (Persian)
- ↑ Farshchian Museum at the Sa'dabad Complex in Tehran (Persian)
References
- The painting by Master Mahmoud Farshchian titled "'Asr-i 'Ashura" was registered in the list of Iran's National Heritage (Persian). Hamshahri Newspaper. July 17, 2024, No. 9152, Visited on August 11, 2025.
- Farshchian: "Watching 'Asr-i Ashura' even makes me cry myself (Persian). ABNA News Agency. Published on December 6, 2011. Visited on August 11, 2025.
- Farshchian Museum at the Sa'dabad Complex in Tehran (Persian). Alaedin Travel. Visited on August 11, 2025.
- The Manifestation of 'Asr-i 'Ashura in the Ashura Paintings of the Astan Quds Razavi Museum. Central Museum of Astan-i Quds-i Radawi. Published on October 26, 2015. Visited on August 11, 2025.