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Isabelle Imbert Ph.D.

Islamic Arts Historian

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Tag: blog

Autum 2018 London Islamic week: results overview

November 14, 2018

This Autumn Islamic week is over, and what a week it has been! The selection of Bonham’s, Sotheby’s and Christie’s included some breathtaking treasures but also some interesting novelties that I have been really happy to follow. … More Autum 2018 London Islamic week: results overview

2 Comments Autum 2018 London Islamic week: results overview

Time to speculate: London Islamic Week, October 2018

October 10, 2018

This fall, I found that Bonham’s, Sotheby’s and Christie’s selections are full of surprise. They confirm tendencies that were already visible in the spring auctions but also seem to announce new trends; let’s jump in! … More Time to speculate: London Islamic Week, October 2018

1 Comment Time to speculate: London Islamic Week, October 2018

Why does Islamic Arts History matter?

July 18, 2018

Islamic Arts history is an important and still underated branch of arts history, and a lot of misconceptions are still floating around, especially in the West, about what it is, what it intails and how we can talk about it. … More Why does Islamic Arts History matter?

Why does Islamic Arts History matter?

Carnets de Voyage IV on the 6th July with Millon et Associés

July 4, 2018

The next Millon et Associés auction constitutes a tremendous opportunity for new collectors to get involved. Lots rarely exceed 1500€ and show a variety that allow everybody to find their affordable treasure. … More Carnets de Voyage IV on the 6th July with Millon et Associés

Carnets de Voyage IV on the 6th July with Millon et Associés

London Islamic Week: results overview

May 7, 2018

London’s auctions are over, it is now time to debrief! Most importantly, for me at least, it is time to see if my predictions were right. Let’s avoid any unnecessary suspense, they were, for the most part. … More London Islamic Week: results overview

London Islamic Week: results overview

Islamic Arts and Orientalism at Millon

April 26, 2018

On the 3rd of May will be presented at Drouot Paris the Millon & Associés auction. … More Islamic Arts and Orientalism at Millon

Islamic Arts and Orientalism at Millon

This Spring London Islamic week is here

April 18, 2018

Every six months, experts, specialists and Islamic Arts enthusiasts gather on King Street and New Bond Street to examine, judge and discuss the new and old wonders offered to the highest bidder. What are the stars this year? Are new trends rising? Let’s take a look! … More This Spring London Islamic week is here

1 Comment This Spring London Islamic week is here

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Happy Saturday! I'm spending the day finishing the Happy Saturday! I'm spending the day finishing the last section of chapter 4, writing on the production of Indian albums in the 18th century, because that's my jam.

I struggled all week with how to approach it and finally found a way that allows me to go a bit further without repeating what I already published. I also realised I made a mistake in one of my papers, not knowing what I know now, but that's how things go!

Anyway, I'm revisiting this glorious volume compiled in Delhi in the 1730s. I'm particularly amazed by the margins (no surprise there) and how fast the decorative practices evolved between the reigns of Shah Jahan (1628-58) and Muhammad Shah (1719-48)! Take a look at the small selection.
And if you're asking what's the big black mark on the top of some margins, it's the seal of nawab Asaf ud-Daula. The placement is far from ideal, let's just say. 

The book covers of the album have also been preserved. They are simply extraordinary!

Royal Trust Collection (RCIN1005068)
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#art #history #arthistory #islamicart #indianart #artinformant #islamicandindianart #artcollector #Auctionhouse #artmarket #gallery #wordpress #freelance #linkinbio #India #indianpainting #album #delhi #gold #design
Progressing slowly but surely in the writing of my Progressing slowly but surely in the writing of my book, hoping to finish a first draft in the weeks to come. It's an interesting process to rework a doctoral dissertation into a book, and I learn a lot about myself, mainly that I am a lot slower that I was 8 years ago when I was writing it. 🤣

My opinions have evolved on certain topics, not that much on others, but overall I have to resist to the temptation of rewriting everything...

I'm now writing about one of the most famous muraqqa' (album) of 18th century Afshar Persia: the St Petersburg album, which contains intriguing flower paintings like this one signed by Muhammad Zaman and dated 1094/ 1682-83, as well as amazing floral margins. Luckily I still agree with myself on that one! 

Hopefully this book will be the accomplishment of 2023!

Institute of Oriental Studies of Russia Science Academy, St Petersburg (E-14,fol.82r)
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#art #history #arthistory #islamicart #indianart #artinformant #islamicandindianart #artcollector  #freelance #linkinbio #muraqqa #manuscript #album #painting #gold #flower #jacinth #isfahan #iran
✨New article on the blog ✨ This incredible an ✨New article on the blog ✨

This incredible and intriguing piece from 11th-12th century Uzbekistan is part of the exhibition currently held at the Louvre: "Splendours of Uzbekistan's Oases, which I had the opportunity to see a week ago.

Is it worth the visit? Read my thoughts via the link in bio! 👆🏻

Spoiler alert: one of the issue of the exhibition is that this piece has no localisation and accession number (maybe it does in the catalogue but I didn't buy it).
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#art #history #arthistory #islamicart #indianart #artinformant #islamicandindianart #wordpress #freelance #linkinbio #paris #louvre #museum #uzbekistan #exhibition #harpy #metalwork
Join me this Thursday 8th December at 12h50 GMT on Join me this Thursday 8th December at 12h50 GMT on an online lecture, during which I'll be talking about Indian and Persian flower paintings and their connexion with European botanical illustration.
I'll give some my thoughts on Mansur's tulip, as well as this painting of a snowbell bound in the Dara Shukoh album (c. 1633-1641).

The event is kindly organised by the Church Conservation Trust on Facebook live and is open to all without registration. Link in my stories!

British Library (Add. OR. 3129, fol. 65v)
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#art #history #arthistory #islamicart #indianart #artinformant #islamicandindianart #artcollector #Auctionhouse #artmarket #gallery #wordpress #freelance #linkinbio #lecture #facebook #research #flower #painting #persianart #snow
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