We love the warm colors of this painting and the Persian style of the scene it presents. Mary and Jesus are with John the Baptist, surrounded by Mideastern flowers, birds, and filigree.

Mohammad Paolo Zaman Kermani (c. 1600s-1700) was a famous Persian artist and calligrapher. There was something of a rapprochement between Christianity and Islam at the time, and there is a legend that the Shah, Abbas II, had sent the talented young artist to Rome to study art, and that he returned a devout Roman Catholic with the baptized name Paolo. (source: wikipedia.com)

The legend goes on that Mohammad had to flee to the Moghul Empire in India for protection. The Moghul Empire encouraged Christian art, producing many beautiful works. This piece was done between 1682-1683. The broken pillars in Catholic paintings usually represent the end of the old rites and the new life under the New Covenant. Pigment on paper. Image Size: H:43.5 x W:30.0 cm. Collection of Asian Civilisations Museum.

** IMPORTANT ** THE IMAGE IS SMALLER THAN THE PAPER! There is a blank border all around the image of about .5" for 5x7, 1.3" for 8.5x11, 1.6" for 11x14, and 1.75" for 13x17" and 16x20" (shown in the last photo). All Approx! The white space gives the framed picture a finished look without using a mat.

*POSTERS ARE PRINTED WITH SMALL BORDER* This is to preserve the dimensions of the original artwork.

- Acid-free paper
- Archival pigments, rated to last for generations.
- Cardboard backer
- Above story of the art
- Enclosed in a tight-fitting, crystal clear bag.

Thanks for your interest!

Thanks!
Sue & John

You might also enjoy original Catholic Art and Jewerly by me, Sue Kouma Johnson, here on Etsy at www.Etsy.com/shop/TreeOfHeaven
Also, check out our Catholic Quote shop, where we are pairing authentic quotes from Saints with Art: www.Etsy.com/shop/CatholicQuote

"In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art." ~ St. Pope John Paul II

Original image is out-of-copyright. Descriptive text and image alterations (hence the whole new image) © by Sue Kouma Johnson - Classic Catholic Art.