Verses by Hafiz, folio from an album c. late 16th century

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we have a folio from an album, featuring verses by Hafiz with calligraphy by Mir 'Imad. Editor: It feels so intricate and balanced. The script itself becomes the visual focus, almost a meditative pattern. Curator: Precisely. The calligraphy by Mir 'Imad, a master calligrapher, elevates the verses to a sacred art form, a symbol of cultural sophistication. Editor: I wonder about the audience and how these verses were received at the time. Were they widely circulated, or mainly enjoyed by the elite? Curator: Likely the latter, given the expense and skill involved. These pieces acted as status symbols, reflecting the owner’s refined taste and patronage. It highlights the complex social dynamics around art production. Editor: It really makes me consider the role of visual representation in defining cultural values of a specific time. Curator: Indeed, a powerful reminder of art's function as a historical and cultural mirror.