Submitted by A Reader, Feb 15, 2007 15:54

Interesting article, although I don't expect you would be writing about the Sassanian (Sassanid) Empire if it weren't for the museum exhibit. While I realize that most American's are not vaguely familiar with various Iranian dynasties, the author could have done a bit more research before making blanket statements like "Sasanian [sic] art ... took much of its inspiration from the Roman Empire and behind that from the empire of Alexander the Great." If the Sassanian were going to take inspiration from other empires for their art, they might have looked closer to some of Iran's previous empires such as the Achaemenid. In fact during the Sassani dynasty there were reactions against the Hellenistic art that had spread east under Alexander. As for Roman influence, that's even less plausible, because there wasn't any during Sassanian or any other era. Influence usually happens the other way. When you experience Iranians firsthand, you tend to be the one influenced. Ask any American (myself included) that has visited Iran, and he or she will attest to wanting to go back to an Iranian population so friendly and eager to get to know an American amongst them. I am sure if you asked an Iranian about this phenomenon, he or she would quickly recite a poem that captures it so succinctly.

Persian art is unknown to American's, but to Iranians it's part of their cherished heritage that has withstood numerous foreign invasions and influence. Iranian's have continued their traditions, such as the Nowrooz (new year) celebrations, even while under brutal and bloody occupation such as that of the Mongols. While I don't expect the author to have the same knowledge about the Sassanian as Iranians or others really interested in this topic, a bit more research would have shown him that a lot more art from that era has survived, and he could have pointed that out instead of saying "... is simply too spotty and insufficient." And finally, I did enjoy the article, and commend you for covering the exhibit.

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