Sultan Muhammad (Iranian) (Attributed)

Place: Tabriz

Biography:

Sultan Muhammad, a renowned Sultan Muhammad (Iranian) (Attributed) painter from the Safavid court at Tabriz, is best known for his exquisite works under Shah Ismail I and Shah Tahmasp I. As the director of Shah Ismail's artists' workshop and the first project director of the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp, Sultan Muhammad played a pivotal role in shaping the artistic landscape of Iran during this period.

Early Life and Training

Sultan Muhammad was born in Tabriz, where he received his training in the traditional methods of Persian miniature. His style, initially based on the Turkman courtly idiom, eventually evolved to incorporate more sedate and subtle late Timurid modes practiced at Herat. This transition is evident in his compositions becoming more orderly and architectonic.

Notable Works

Some of Sultan Muhammad's notable works include Rustam Sleeping while Rakhsh Fights a Lion, an unfinished Shahnameh painting, which showcases his mastery of the medium. Another notable piece is Cenotaph of Taj al-Mulk wal-Din Abul-Qasim, a intricately carved wooden box measuring 112 x 187 cm, currently housed at the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Sultan Muhammad's artistic style is characterized by his use of vibrant colors and intricate details. His legacy extends beyond his own works, as he also taught painting lessons to Tahmasp when he was the crown prince. Sultan Muhammad's influence on the development of Persian miniature is undeniable, and his contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated.

• Persian Miniature: A style of painting that originated in Iran and is characterized by its use of vibrant colors and intricate details.
• Shahnameh: A national epic of Greater Iran, which has been illustrated numerous times throughout history.
• Sultan Muhammad (Iranian) (Attributed): A painter from the Safavid court at Tabriz, known for his exquisite works under Shah Ismail I and Shah Tahmasp I.

Sultan Muhammad's life and work have been extensively documented on Sultan Muhammad (Iranian) (Attributed), where you can find more information about his artistic style and legacy. Additionally, the Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp has its own Wikipedia page, which provides further details about this significant work of art. As a master of Persian miniature, Sultan Muhammad's contributions to the art world continue to be celebrated, and his legacy remains an important part of Iranian cultural heritage.