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Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond

Love and Devotion: From Persia and Beyond

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Love and Devotion

This masterful illustration conveys a dreamlike vision of the revered Persian poets Nizami, Jami and Navaʾi.

This exquisitely painted illustration is from a Bodleian-held manuscript of 'Conference of the birds'.

The realism and brilliant colour palette of this magnificent bound album are distinctly Mughal.

French artist Jules Laurens recorded contemporary Persian scenes & historical sites during his travels.

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The exhibition

The free exhibition Love and devotion: from Persia and beyond (9 March–1 July 2012) celebrated the beauty of Persian manuscripts and the stories of human and divine love told through their pages from the early 11th century on.

Many of the manuscripts on show were loaned from the world-renowned collection of the Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford. These magnificent works will be on display at the Bodleian from 29 November 2012 to 28 April 2013.

Read more about the exhibition

Bodleian Libraries

The Bodleian Libraries, at the University of Oxford, was founded in 1602. Its world-renowned collection includes rich holdings of Persian manuscripts.

Discover more about the Bodleian's collection
Colour photo of exterior of the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Libraries, Oxford University

Conference: Zahra Taheri

Read more about the conference

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Library Foundation appeal

Thank you for helping raise funds for two illustrated Persian manuscripts: an outstanding copy of Nizami's Khamsa (Quintet) and a rare complete manuscript of the Tutinama (Book of the parrot).

More about the appeal
Page from the Khamsa (detail)

Love & devotion in the UK

The Bodleian Libraries is showing its own presentation of the Love and devotion exhibition at the Exhibition Room, Bodleian Library, in Oxford, England, between 29 November 2012 and 28 April 2013.

Learn more about how you can visit this exhibition on the Bodleian Libraries website.

Conference

Love and devotion: Persian Cultural Crossroads

This two-day conference held in April 2012 featured distinguished international guests and Australian specialists exploring cultural convergences in literature, the arts and architecture, history and philosophy within Persia's cultural sphere and Europe, from the 11th century to the present day.

For information on keynote speakers & topics discussed, visit our conference page

Visit the exhibition

The Love and devotion exhibition took place from 9 March to 1 July 2012. In-depth information about the exhibits and themes can be found on this website.

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Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Tel +61 3 8664 7000