Calligraphic Portrait of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib c. 1344 - 1925

Editor: This is a really interesting piece from the Harvard Art Museums: a Calligraphic Portrait of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib by Ibrahim Danishpishah. The precision is stunning! What strikes me most is the figure’s face, almost completely obscured. What do you make of that choice? Curator: Ah, yes, a veil of mystery! It’s a beautiful reminder that in some traditions, representing holy figures is done through symbolism rather than direct depiction. The calligraphy itself becomes the portrait, a testament to faith and artistry intertwined. Doesn't it make you wonder about the power of suggestion in art? Editor: Absolutely! I never thought about it that way. Curator: And the artist becomes, in a way, a storyteller of the divine. It’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? Editor: It truly is. Thanks for pointing that out!