Man with Ram c. 1590

Curator: Here we have "Man with Ram," a drawing attributed to Aqa Riza, also known as Riza 'Abbasi. Editor: There's such an immediate sense of tenderness here. The man's touch seems so gentle, almost playful. Curator: Absolutely. Figures like these, rendered in ink on paper, were popular in 17th-century Persia and often found in albums. Editor: I wonder about the symbolism of the ram. Was it a sacrificial symbol, a symbol of power, or something else entirely within that cultural context? Curator: It's open to interpretation, but it certainly highlights the relationship between humans and animals in Safavid society, and how that’s viewed. Editor: It makes me think about the ways that animals, even now, are often depicted as subservient to humans. I wonder about the power dynamics at play. Curator: This piece offers a glimpse into the societal values, inviting us to consider these relationships across time. Editor: This work has prompted a lot of questions for me, it's quite thought-provoking.