Moscow exhibition displays centuries of Iranian miniature art
A major exhibition showcasing masterpieces of Iranian miniature painting opened in Moscow on July 16, bringing together works inspired by horses and highlighting centuries of Persian artistic tradition as Russian and Iranian officials hailed cultural exchanges as a bridge between the two nations.
Titled ‘From Rope to Horse Tack,’ the exhibition features reproductions of celebrated miniatures by renowned Persian masters, including Kamal-ud-Din Behzad, alongside works by contemporary artists such as Mahmoud Farshchian, Hossein Esmati, and Reza Badrossama. The collection spans national, religious, mythological, and mystical themes rooted in Iranian culture.
Olga Vladimirovna, director of Moscow's Museum of Horse Breeding, described artistic cooperation with Iran as "highly valuable," calling the exhibition "an effective step toward expanding cultural diplomacy."
Nasser Tabaei, deputy head of the Russia-based Avicenna Foundation for Iranian Studies, said such initiatives deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples. "The language of art and culture can foster international peace and friendship," he said.
Zahra Rashidbeigi, deputy cultural attaché at the Iranian Embassy in Moscow, also stressed the need to further strengthen cultural ties between Iran and Russia.
Among the highlights are depictions of horses drawn from Iran's rich miniature tradition, reflecting the animal's enduring place in Persian history, literature, and visual arts. The exhibition also presents paintings, sculptures, and fashion works by Iranian and Russian artists, underscoring the breadth of contemporary cultural collaboration.
Running through September 26, the exhibition is jointly organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, Moscow's Museum of Horse Breeding, and the Avicenna Foundation for Iranian Studies.