Characterization in the Tile Paintings of the Historical House of Atrush, Shiraz A Case Study of the Narration of Prophet Joseph (PBUH)

Authors

1 PhD student in Art Research, University of Art, Tehran, Iran

2 University of Sistan and Baluchestan

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Art, Hazrat-e Ma’soumeh University, Qom

Abstract

Tile painting is one of the most significant decorative elements of Iranian architecture, contributing greatly to the magnificence of historical buildings. Qajar-era tile paintings are particularly important due to their thematic diversity and their connection with the cultural and social contexts of their time. A considerable number of these works have survived in the historical houses of Shiraz. The representation of mythical, religious, epic, and social figures in these paintings reveals the narrative capacities of tile art during this period. However, various aspects of these visual narratives, especially the methods of characterization, have received limited scholarly attention.This study aims to identify the components and approaches of characterization in Qajar-era tile paintings by examining the visual representation of the story of Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him) in the historical Atarvash House in Shiraz. The research seeks to answer the question: On what criteria is characterization in this visual narrative based? The data were collected through documentary and library research, and the artworks were analyzed using a descriptive-analytical approach based on the visual features of the tile paintings. The findings indicate that the painters constructed the visual narrative by emphasizing the roles of characters and selecting key moments of the story. the characters are represented mainly according to their narrative functions, while individual differences, and psychological characteristics are less emphasized.

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Main Subjects

Visual Art Studies
Volume 2, Issue 2
September 2025
Pages 419-432

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