Negarestan museum showcases repaired Qajar painting

An important mural of the early 19th century Iran is showcased at Negarestan Garden-Museum in Tehran after a hard repair process.

‘Saf-e Salam’ (saluting line), fixed on the walls of Tehran’s Negarestan Garden-Museum, was unveiled during a ceremony last week.

Dismantled into some 50 pieces, ‘Saf-e Salam’ is an old Persian painting dating back to the time of Fath-Ali Shah, the Qajar king of early 19th century in Iran.

The precious painting, missing for many years, was transferred to University of Tehran two years ago to be repaired before being permanently displayed in Kamal-ol-Molk Hall of the museum.

Majid Sarsangi, the deputy head of University of Tehran said “ Saf-e Salam is an important piece of Iranian art from Qajar era, and we tried hard to transfer it to the Negarestan Museum. Some parts of the painting were severely damaged and needed repair, which was done by specialists,” he added.

One of the artists who took part in the repair process was the famous Iranian painter Aydin Aghdashlou who said “The painting was so damaged that at first glance we thought it was hit by a mortar shell.” He added “Natural causes and carelessness were leading to the total demolition of such a historical artwork.”

“Painted with vibrant colors, the painting restores the history. However, we must keep in mind that every part of such artworks should be repaired in a different method,” he explained.

Aghdashlou also noted that such paintings are reminders of Fath-Ali Shah’s glorious court.

Referring to ‘Saf-e Salam’ as an excellent instance of art persistence, he said “It is a sample of how the man illustrates his ideals, desires and success; the Iranian man who built the great complex of Persepolis 2,500 years ago to exhibit his dignity and win respect.”

Zand and Qajar eras were the peaks of post-Islamic painting in Iran. The art in these two eras depicts the moderation of Iran’s national art.

The reign of Fath-Ali Shah Qajar (1797 to 1834) was by some means the commencement of Iran’s political and governmental turn down.

MG/RSH