The Art of Ancient Persia, 559-330 BCE

The Persian Empire of the Achaemenid dynasty was the biggest and most powerful imperial structure the world had ever known up to that time. Its art reflected the diversity of the lands which made up the Empire, but the Achaemenids also created something distinctly ‘Persian’ in their art, the beauty of which still impresses. This richly illustrated study day gives you the chance to appreciate the innovations of early Persian art.

Lecture 1: From Nomads to Kings: the Origins of Persian Art
Arising from the Eurasian Steppe, the Persians settled in Iran and quickly began to establish their own artistic vocabulary, especially in metalworking.

Lecture 2: Palaces and Imperial Art
The royal palaces of Parsagadae, Susa, and Persepolis provided the canvas for Persian artistic flair in sculpture and relief-carving and also in the cultivation of gardens.

Lecture 3: Dress and Adornment
Persian dress was an important articulation of their identity and sophistication. Different forms of court dress and riding costumes are found in art – but how did they appear in reality?

Lecture 4: Imperialism in Miniature
Cylinder seals and bullae were important to the Persians. These carried a rich panoply of imperial iconography that was disseminated throughout the Empire.