Look into the Lives of Qajar Women

From April 8th 2015 the Museum of Islamic Art showcases- Qajar Women: Images of Women in 19th-Century Iran. This new temporary exhibition showcases a wide variety of artworks from the Qajar period, all of which feature Persian women as the main subject.

Under the patronage of Qatar Museums Chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, this exhibition demonstrates the importance of women in the art of 19th-century Iran and how this continues to inspire contemporary artists.

Qajar Women presents a completely new and innovative approach to Qajar art. Until now, the most popular representations of the Qajar era (1779 to 1925) have been of male sovereigns whose life-size portraits exaggerate masculinity to depict power. Yet this era is also characterised by artistic modernisation in Iran. This is particularly true of paintings and photography, in which women became essential characters in the events and scenes portrayed. The exhibition includes artworks that reflect various interpretations of female musicians, aristocratic women, women at the court and in private quarters, all exploring the rarely-told narratives of the Qajar artistic tradition.

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A wide variety of objects, are on display including lacquers, watercolours, manuscripts, jewellery, ceramics, and metalwork. The exhibition is divided into four themes: ‘Notions of Beauty: Images of Women in Qajar Art’; ‘Daily Life’; ‘Women, Power, and Refinement’; and ‘Women as Symbols in Art.’

Qajar Women: Images of Women in 19th-Century Iran offers visitors a visually stunning introduction into this important period of art history. Works by contemporary artists inspired by Qajar iconography are also on view, demonstrating how the imagery of Qajar women continues to inspire artists today. A special talk entitled ‘Beauty and Moustaches in Qajar Art’ will be delivered by the exhibition curators Dr. Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya and Dr. Nur Sobers-Khan in May 2015.

Musuem Hours

Sunday                            10:30am - 5:30pm
Monday                           10:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday                    10:30am - 5:30pm

Audio Guide

Audio guides for adult and family tours in either Arabic or English are available for all visitors and focus on the permanent collection.
 

Visitor Information

Museum of Islamic Art
AlCorniche,
Doha,
Qatar
Telephone:+97444224444
Website: mia.org.qa
 

Facilities

Two outdoor courtyards flank the vast atrium area
Prayer halls for men and women
A gift shop
A library and closed rare-books study section
Classrooms and offices