The Evolution of Persian Painting: From the Fall of the Safavid Dynasty to the Rise of Qajar Art

During the interregnum period between the Safavids and the Qajar dynasty, artistic production saw significant disruption. The political instability caused by successive invasions and short-lived dynasties such as the Afsharid and Zand dynasties weakened courtly patronage, forcing many artists to seek support from local elites or private clients. This shift altered the nature of painting, moving it away from idealized court themes toward more localized and intimate subjects.