The Lovers

Painted by Riza-yi ‘Abbasi (Persian, ca. 1565–1635), an artist from Isfahan, Iran, The Lovers is a portrayal of a man and a woman entwined in an intricately composed amorous embrace. It reflects the newly relaxed attitude towards sensuality during the reign of Shah Safi (1629–42) in Safavid dynasty (1501–1722). Riza painted The Lovers towards the end of his long and successful career at the Safavid court in which he revolutionised Persian painting and drawing with his inventive use of calligraphic lines and unusual palettes.

The painting is currently on view at The Met museum in New York.