The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Investigating the Causes of Transformation in Elementary Elements of the Early 10th Century from the Perspective of Mythology

https://doi.org/10.22034/bagh.2024.472653.5654
Volume 21, Issue 140
February 2025
Pages 5-16
The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar

Document Type : Original Research Article

Author

Neda Vakili

Assistant Professor, Department of Painting, Saba Faculty of Art and Architecture, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract
Problem statement: From the beginning (10thAH /16AD) different platforms have been involved in the evolution of Ascension of Prophet images. Since then, the compilation of illustrated manuscripts such as Khamseh Nezami, Shahnameh Shah Tahmasebi, and the stories of the Prophets has begun to show changes in covering the Prophet’s face with a white cloth called a “burqa”. Although these changes result from a kind of reflection of Safavid scholars, thinkers, and rulers on Ascension, this article attempts to investigate the causes of the change in covering the face of the Prophet with the burqa in the paintings of Meraj (Tabriz School), we should refer to a new reading of these paintings with the method of mythology. For this purpose, drawings on the subject of battle, hunting, and sitting (in the school of Tabriz I) are also discussed. Steps to work with this method according to Gilbertoran, 1- is a symbol, 2- is psychometry, and 3- is mythology.
Based on the above explanations, it can be assumed that the illustrated manuscripts containing ascension paintings were created in Safavid royal workshops according to the custom of the sultans and rulers. It is not far-fetched that most of the myths of the rulers and kings are reflected in the illustrated manuscripts.
Research objective: The main goal of this research is to investigate the causes of the transformation in covering the face of the Prophet (PBUH) with “burqa” in the paintings of the Ascension (early 10th century AH).
Research method: This research is based on the descriptive-analytical method of paintings and the mythometric approach of Gilbert Duran, and the collection of materials was also done via the library method.
Conclusion: The results obtained in this study based on the descriptive-analytical method of library drawings and resources show that the personal and collective myth of Shah Ismail shows that the myth of Shahriar is the myth of the central self and the savior of the world. 

Keywords

Ascension Images
Safavid Period
Shah Ismail
Mythology
Gilbert Durand
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