Guarantor of the Gazelle (painting)

This article is about The Guarantor of the Gazelle Painting. For the title with the same name, see The Guarantor of the Gazelle.

The Guarantor of the Gazelle 1, by Mahmoud Farshchian.

The Guarantor of the Gazelle 2, by Mahmoud Farshchian.

The Guarantor of the Gazelle Painting (Persian: تابلو ضامن آهو) is one of the paintings by Mahmoud Farshchian, a Shi'a miniaturist, which recreates the famous story of the Guarantor of the gazelle regarding Imam al-Rida (a). Farshchian has created two versions of this work, both painted on acid-free cardboard using the acrylic technique. It is said that the first version was created as a heartfelt vow after Farshchian's healing, and the second version is a narrative of repentance and seeking refuge.

The first painting was created over six months in 1979 and is currently kept in the Farshchian Museum at the Sa'dabad Complex. In this work, also named "The Sanctuary of Protection" (Persian: حریم حفاظت), all lines and patterns are directed towards Imam al-Rida (a). The Imam is positioned in the upper right corner within a halo of light, and brightness flows throughout his body. All curves incline towards the Imam, and the color and form are arranged such that the Imam's position appears superior to other elements. The fawns are kneeling before him in a state of assurance and respect.

In 1996, Farshchian recounted that in 1979, he had traveled to the United States due to a tremor and paralysis of his right hand (or heart surgery, according to another report). However, he was healed through tawassul to Imam al-Rida (a) and created this painting to fulfill his vow. He saw the Imam (a) in a dream several times, and inspired by that vision, he was able to depict the Imam's face full-frontal.

The second painting, with dimensions of 80 × 100 cm, was created over one year and four months in 2010. This work, which is kept in the Museum of Astan Quds Razawi, depicts Imam al-Rida (a) in a halo of light as gazelles take refuge in him. The hunter, upon seeing the grandeur of the Imam, breaks his bow and bows with respect before him. In this work, the Imam's face is depicted in profile.