Kamal al-Molk: Man of Genius

Born in Kashan in 1226 A.H. (l848), to a family greatly attached to art, Mohammad Ghaffari, better known as Kamal-ol-Molk, was undoubtedly one of the most eminent artists in Iran.
Mohammad developed an interest in calligraphy and painting from the early years of his life. Upon completion of his primary education, Mohammad moved to Tehran. To further his studies, he registered in Dar-ol-Fonoon School where he studied painting with Mozayyen-od-Doleh, a well-known painter who had visited Europe and studied Western art.
He studied there for a period of three years during which the sparks of his genius ignited. Whenever he found some free time, he spent it on painting, strengthening his union with nature. Through his sharp vision, he could see secrets in lines and colors hidden from the common eye. In his school days, the young Ghaffari was given the name Mirza Mohammad Kashi.
In this very short period of education he was able to attract public attention to himself as a talented artist.

Man of Genius
In his visits to Dar-ol-Fonoon, Nasereddin Shah Qajar came to know Mohammad Ghaffari. Having observed his incredible talent and noticing his mastery in painting, Nasereddin Shah gave him the title "Kamal-ol-Molk (Perfection on Land)."
At the age of 47, he went to and stayed in Europe for four years to improve his art. The West opened a new horizon before the curious eyes of the artist. Discussions with distinguished European artists gave him the opportunity to know the ins and outs of their style and improve his own technique.
In 1277 A.H. (1899), he returned to Iran.

Kamal-ol-Molk Art School
The master established Sanaye Mostazrafeh Art School, better known as Kamal-ol-Molk Art School where he pursued his artistic career and steadied the new style in Iranian art. The School's goal was to find new talents and educate them in the best possible way. Kamal-ol-Molk did not confine himself to painting. Rather, he introduced other arts and crafts such as carpet weaving, mosaic designing, and woodwork to his school in order to revive the dying fine arts. In addition to teaching art, through his kind behavior, he also taught students about morals and humanity. In a relatively short time, Kamal-ol-Molk trained competent students, who became famous artists later on. The achievements of these artists received much attention both in Iran and Europe. Among them are Hossein Ali Khan Vaziri, Esmaeel Ashtiani, Ali Mohammad Heidarian, Mahmood Olia', Nemat-ol-Lah Moshiri, Ali Akbar Yasami, and Mohsen Soheili.

Seclusion
Because of refusing to cooperate with Reza Khan of the Pahlavi dynasty,
in Ordibehesht 1307 A.H. (1929), the great artist was exiled to Neishaboor. The man who had spent his entire life reviving the Iranian art and promoting the Iranian culture was exiled for the crime of love of freedom and independence.
Of the most important and unfortunate events in this period is that he lost an eye, the why of which is unknown to us. That is why, during the years he spent in exile, he never did any painting.
In 1319 A.H. (1941), Kamal-ol-Molk, the distinguished artist whose love of his country knew no boundary, died in Neishaboor. Mournful people accompanied his body to Sheik Attar's tomb where he would rest in peace.

Kamal-ol-Molk's Style and Famous Works:
Kamal-ol-Molk founded a new style in Iranian art. In the Qajar era, and before the Iranian painting was limited to miniature. Kamal-ol-Molk expanded the art of painting in Iran and opened new horizons to the painters succeeding him.
He did some painting in the Shams-ol-Emareh edifice by the order of Nasereddin Shah. In his visit to Iraq and during the years he taught in the art school he created numerous paintings. Unfortunately most of these paintings have either been destroyed or are in private collections and impossible to have access. Works that remained are those kept in the former National Consultative Assembly, Golestan Palace, museums, and other centers.
Although he did some color paint works, his oil paintings are of a higher quality and consequently better known. He also did some sculpture, but his works in sculpture are overshadowed by his paintings.
"Hanging Partridge" and the copies he made of European artists are among his most well-known works. But his magnificent masterpiece is "The Mirror Hall", the painting he did after he received the title "Kamal-ol-Molk" and the first painting bearing the signature "Kamal-ol-Molk". "The Mirror Hall" was, in fact, more of a turning-point in Iran's art than a mere painting; a window to a new world rather than paint on canvas.