President Aliyev signs decree to honour 200th anniversary of Azerbaijani art pioneer Mirza Gadim Iravani

President Ilham Aliyev has issued a decree marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mirza Gadim Iravani, a towering figure in Azerbaijani art and the founder of Azerbaijani panel painting. 

The decree highlights Iravani’s pivotal role in blending classical Eastern miniature traditions with the European realist art style, thus laying the foundations for modern Azerbaijani painting, Caliber.Az reports.

“Mirza Gadim Iravani is one of the great craftsmen who played a significant role in the formation of Azerbaijani painting. His ability to harmoniously combine rich traditional elements with European realism marked the beginning of a new phase in Azerbaijani visual arts,” said President Aliyev in his official statement.

The decree, issued under Article 109, paragraph 32 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, tasks the Ministry of Culture with preparing and implementing a comprehensive plan of events to celebrate Iravani’s legacy throughout the year.

The Cabinet of Ministers has also been instructed to address any logistical or administrative matters arising from the celebrations.

Mirza Gadim Iravani (1825–1875), born in Iravan, is considered the founder of Azerbaijani panel painting. A skilled artist and craftsman, he blended Eastern miniatures with European realism, significantly influencing Azerbaijani visual arts. Iravani's early works included painting on glass and fabric, but he became renowned for his portraits and ornamental compositions.

He played a key role in restoring the wall paintings of the Mirror Hall in the Iravan Khan's palace between 1867 and 1874. His iconic works, such as portraits of "Fath Ali Shah" and "Abbas Mirza," are housed in major museums like the Georgian State Art Museum and the Azerbaijan State Art Museum.

In addition to painting, Iravani worked in stencil designs for embroidery, jewellery, and lacquered paintings. His technical mastery and innovative blending of cultural styles marked a new era in Azerbaijani art. Iravani was also a scholar, with a vast library of Eastern, Western, and Russian literature, and held the civil rank of college assessor.

By Vugar Khalilov