Abu al-Hasan Ghaffari Kashani Naqqash-Bashi

Abu al-Hasan Ghaffari Kashani Naqqash-Bashi, an eminent Persian artist, was born in 1814 in Kashan, Iran, and died in 1866. He was a prominent figure in the Qajar art movement, which flourished during the Qajar dynasty in Persia. Ghaffari was appointed as the chief painter, or Naqqash-Bashi, at the court of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, where he played a crucial role in the development of Persian painting by integrating European techniques with traditional Persian styles. His work is noted for its detailed portraiture and incorporation of Western realism, which marked a significant evolution in Persian art of the period. Ghaffari's contributions to Persian art were instrumental in the cultural exchanges between Persia and Europe during the 19th century, and his legacy is preserved in numerous works housed in Iranian and international collections. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, impacting subsequent generations of Persian artists.