Color in Safavid Architecture: The Poetic Diffusion of Light

Abstract

My aim in this lecture shall be to situate the world of color within the traditional context of the Islamic culture of Persia; to explore the conceptual motivations that provoked its intense crystallization and saturation during the Safavid era; and to ultimately follow this world of color as it is annihilated into nothingness within the presence of Absolute Light. We will therefore witness the conceptual birth, life and death of color as a cyclical yet timeless, metaphysical expression of the Absolute within the world of phenomenal forms.Tis light makes color visible; at nightRed, green and russet vanish from thy sight.So too the light by their contraries are shown.From the dark jungle as a lion brightColor from the viewless Spirit leaps to light.Rūmī