The Lovers Painting by Riza-yi ‘Abbasi, Iranian, dated 1630 CE [1263 x 1952]

“The artist Riza‑yi ‘Abbasi revolutionized Persian painting and drawing with his inventive use of calligraphic line and unusual palette. He painted The Lovers toward the end of a long, successful career at the Safavid court. The subject of a couple entwined reflects a newly relaxed attitude to sensuality introduced in the reign of Shah Safi (r. 1629–42). Here the figures are inextricably bound together, merged volumes confined within one outline.” From [The MET](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451023)