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Safavid Dynasty. (1502–1736) Persian dynasty. It was founded by Isma'il I, who, by converting his people from Sunnite to Shi'ite Islam and adopting
the trappings of Persian monarchy, planted the seeds of a unique national and religious identity. He captured Tabriz from the Ak Koyunlu and became
shah of Azerbaijan (1501) and Persia (1502). 'Abbas I (r. 1588–1629) brought the dynasty to its peak; his capital, Isfahan, was the center of Safavid
architectural achievement. The dynasty declined in the century following his reign, pressed by the Ottoman Empire and the Mogul dynasty, and fell
when a weak shah, Tahmasp II, was deposed by his general, Nadir Shah. During this period, the art of painting continued to flourish, with single-page
paintings and drawings becoming more popular than manuscript illustration. Artistic and architectural developments under Shah Abbas continued into
the early seventeenth century. Description: Antique Persian watercolor painting, Safavid Dynasty, not examined out of frame and possibly a manuscript page,
Size: 11.75 inches long and 7.75 inches wide. Condition Report: Good condition considering the age with some sign of wear to the painting.
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