Poets of Iran and Iranian Lion
The artist describes this bas-relief as "a testament to the power of poetry as a cornerstone of Persian identity."[1] Each of the six upright figures represents a poet that played a pivotal role in shaping Persian language, literature, and thought. From left to right these include: Ferdowsi (940–1020); Omar Khayyam (1048–1131); Nezami Ganjavi (d. 1209); Rumi (1207–1273); Saadi (ca. 1213–1291); and Hafez (ca. 1325–1390). Each is distinguished by symbols that speak to their respective contributions to poetry and culture. A lion behind the six poets serves as a symbol of strength and protection as well as structural support for the relief. Just as the poets stand as pillars of modern-day Iran’s literary and cultural heritage, the lion holds the relief together, embodying the foundational role of poetry in defining Persian/Iranian identity.
[1] Artist statement, February 7, 2025.
[1] Artist statement, February 7, 2025.
Artwork Details
- Title: Poets of Iran and Iranian Lion
- Artist: Parviz Tanavoli (Iranian-Canadian, born Tehran, 1937)
- Date: 1961
- Medium: Copper
- Dimensions: 38 × 69 × 4 in. (96.5 × 175.3 × 10.2 cm)
50 lb. (22.7 kg) - Classification: Sculpture
- Credit Line: Gift of Manouchehr Azad, in memory of his wife, Lila Mae Schneider Azad, 2025
- Object Number: 2025.279
- Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.