Calligraphy by Mir `Ali Haravi with paintings by an unknown artist (recto and verso), folio from an Anthology of Poetry c. mid 16th century

Curator: This folio, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, presents calligraphy by Mir ‘Ali Haravi, a master active in the 16th century. The painting is by an unknown artist and it comes from an Anthology of Poetry. Editor: The precision! Look at how the ink seems to float against that rich blue ground, like clouds scattered across the sky. You can really see the labor that went into making this. Curator: Indeed. The meticulous process speaks to the value placed on text and artistry within the cultural and political context of the time. We can examine this through a lens of power dynamics and artistic expression. Editor: Considering the materials used, the pigments and gold leaf, it's a testament to the patron's wealth and the artisan's skill. This folio’s materiality tells a story of economic and creative resources intersecting. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a powerful intersection of craft, class, and cultural significance, reflecting a broader discourse on identity and artistic patronage. Editor: This small folio unfolds into a whole world of interconnected processes and meanings. Curator: It truly does invite us to consider the many layers of meaning embedded in its creation.