The sound of the music 1961

Editor: Here we have Hossein Behzad’s “The Sound of Music,” created in 1961. The rich colors and detail give it a fairytale-like quality. It seems very idyllic. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The artwork invites us to consider the intersection of music, social hierarchy, and leisure in mid-20th century Iran. Observe the attire of the figures and the setting they are placed within: what does this say about social stratification at the time? Editor: I notice the woman is playing music for the man who seems much older than her, lying comfortably. The man's dress looks far more ornate and elegant. Is it suggesting a power imbalance, or perhaps different social roles and expectations? Curator: Exactly. Traditional Persian miniature painting often served as a tool to legitimize the power and privilege of rulers and elites. Given this was created in 1961, can you speculate if Behzad's intention was to reflect tradition or to subvert it in some way? Editor: Perhaps Behzad critiques these traditional social roles by depicting them in a seemingly calm domestic, maybe even challenging the viewers’ own perspective. Curator: Indeed, considering Behzad’s innovative spirit, one could argue he uses this traditional visual language to instigate dialogue about changing societal norms and to critique any imbalance between them. Are we listening closely to what this scene is "saying" beyond just a beautiful aesthetic? Editor: That is really interesting. I will definitely be rethinking my initial assumptions! Curator: It goes to show, placing the artwork within the tapestry of Iranian social context uncovers new dialogues to have about art, history and society!