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Lot Essay
The present stunning copper sculpture by Iranian Parviz Tanavoli, The Lovers (Shirin and Farhad) is undoubtedly a collector's piece reminiscent of his earlier works and of Persian history. Considered one of the most important artists from Iran, a pioneer and co-founder of the Saqqakhaneh school, Tanavoli derives his oeuvre from Persian culture crystallised in myths and legends, epic poems, the carpets, and bas-reliefs of Persepolis as well as the ancient iron and bronze locks and found artifacts. His sculptures often relate to poetry, and he works mainly in cast bronze within themes such as poets, prophets, lovers, locks, cages, and walls, along with his old time favourite animal theme, the lion.
Often in his work, Parviz Tanavoli has returned to the theme of Farhad the Mountain Carver, the only sculptor mentioned in Persian poetry. Tanavoli looks upon Farhad as his role model. The story of Farhad and Shirin is an ancient Persian love story. Several variations exist, but essentially it relates to three figures, Farhad the stone-cutter, Shirin, an Armenian princess, and Khosrow Parviz, one of the greatest of the Sassanian kings of Iran prior to the Islamic conquest. In the Shahnama of Ferdausi, Khosrow is described as a passionate prince who wins the hand of Shirin after much effort. Firdausi does not mention Farhad. However, parallel to his version, a folk story developed, centered around a sculptor called Farhad, who was also in love with Shirin whilst Khosrow Parviz was still wooing her, and he engineered to stream of milk for her. Khosrow invited his rival to his court, questioned him and then promised to give him Shirin if he removed the Behistun Mountain, as it blocked a passage to the palace.
Although seeming a Sisyphus-like task, in a passionate frenzy Farhad actually removed the mountain with his pickaxe. Hearing this, Khosrow sent an old woman to misinform Farhad that Shirin was dead, whereupon the sculptor killed himself with his pickaxe. This is an eternal nostalgic tale of love and fate.
Often in his work, Parviz Tanavoli has returned to the theme of Farhad the Mountain Carver, the only sculptor mentioned in Persian poetry. Tanavoli looks upon Farhad as his role model. The story of Farhad and Shirin is an ancient Persian love story. Several variations exist, but essentially it relates to three figures, Farhad the stone-cutter, Shirin, an Armenian princess, and Khosrow Parviz, one of the greatest of the Sassanian kings of Iran prior to the Islamic conquest. In the Shahnama of Ferdausi, Khosrow is described as a passionate prince who wins the hand of Shirin after much effort. Firdausi does not mention Farhad. However, parallel to his version, a folk story developed, centered around a sculptor called Farhad, who was also in love with Shirin whilst Khosrow Parviz was still wooing her, and he engineered to stream of milk for her. Khosrow invited his rival to his court, questioned him and then promised to give him Shirin if he removed the Behistun Mountain, as it blocked a passage to the palace.
Although seeming a Sisyphus-like task, in a passionate frenzy Farhad actually removed the mountain with his pickaxe. Hearing this, Khosrow sent an old woman to misinform Farhad that Shirin was dead, whereupon the sculptor killed himself with his pickaxe. This is an eternal nostalgic tale of love and fate.