Shirin Visiting Farhad c. late 15th century

This painted leaf, "Shirin Visiting Farhad," presents a narrative scene framed by blocks of Persian text. The composition is divided into distinct registers; the upper section features text, while the lower part depicts the central figures in a landscape. The painting’s formal structure invites us to consider its semiotic system. The spatial arrangement, with Shirin elevated on horseback, contrasts with Farhad's kneeling posture. The artist uses verticality and horizontality to create a visual hierarchy, reflecting the social dynamics between the characters. Note the stylized treatment of nature: the rocks, trees and clouds, rendered with minimal depth, flatten the picture plane and emphasize the decorative quality of the image. This flattening effect undermines traditional notions of perspective and realism. The text, rather than serving as mere caption, becomes an integral part of the visual composition, blurring the lines between text and image and challenging our conventional understanding of representation.