Shirin and Farhad 1961

Hossein Behzad made ‘Shirin and Farhad’ with what looks like watercolor or gouache, layering strokes to create a scene of romance and toil. The colors are jewel-like, echoing Persian miniatures, with red, blue, and earth tones dominating the palette. I imagine Behzad hunched over this work, thinking about what makes a story resonate, what makes an image linger in our minds. He must have considered the way the weight of love—or duty—can be both a burden and a source of strength. Look at the textures he creates; the meticulous detail in the landscape, a tapestry of tiny blooms and rugged cliffs, all framing the central figures. The man carries both a weapon and a horse! Behzad’s painting reminds us that artists, through their individual acts of creation, participate in a much longer narrative, borrowing from the past, conversing with the present, and inviting future generations into the dialogue. Each brushstroke contributes to a shared understanding of human experience. It feels like an invitation to add our voices to the mix.