Arts of the empire-builders: Timurids, Safavids and Mughals

What is the course about?

At the cusp of the 14th and 15th centuries, the legendary military leader and empire-builder Amir Timur Kuragan requisitioned artisans from the lands he conquered in order to forge a defining image that was taken up and enhanced by his successors during the 15th century.

Timurid patrons and their artists across centres in Central Asia and Iran redefined the arts and culture of the Islamic world, establishing a style that served as a basis for the subsequent development of the arts under the Safavids of Iran and the Mughals of India during the 16th and 17th centuries.

This course will focus on key patrons of the Timurid, Safavid and Mughal dynasties, the formation of their imperial workshops at important centres of the arts, and the cultural and diplomatic interactions between the three empires that influenced their artistic vision.

We will look at architecture, painting, the book-arts, and the decorative arts including metal-ware, jewellery, textiles and ceramics, and how these combined to create a coherent and distinctive image of each dynasty and a lasting legacy on the visual culture of Iran and South Asia. Because this period is unusually rich in contemporary accounts and histories, we shall also examine some of the primary sources written by local authors and foreign visitors to the royal courts.

What will we cover?

• The dates and places covered by the Timurid, Safavid and Mughal Dynasties.
• The development of art during these dynasties through patronage and royal workshops
• The names and background of key patrons and artists
• Relationships between these dynasties and with other parts of the world.
• Architecture, painting, books and decorative arts.
• Contemporary literary references, and traveller’s accounts of court life.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Give an overview of the key patrons of the Timurid, Safavid and Mughal dynasties
• Recognize the artistic styles of each dynasty.
• Describe how the royal workshops functioned.
• List at least three of the key artists covered in course and discuss the impact of their work.
• Identify three writers and their works which are important in the analysis of the art of this period.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught with slide presentations and group discussions. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course. You will be provided with handouts containing key reference information, including recommended reading lists.

These materials will be available online/digitally for download via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join this Google Classroom within a week of the start of your course.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You might also be interested in:
Islamic art in the medieval world
Islamic art in 25 objects.