Lot 139: - Farah Osouli , Iranian B. 1953 The Creation of Adam (Homage to Michelangelo) gouache, pencil and gold powder on card

gouache, pencil and gold powder on card

measurements note 110 by 73.5cm.; 43 1/4 by 29in.

Inspired by Michelangelo's famous fresco work, Creation of Man, this work depicts the goddess Izad Banou surrounded by small fairies, initiating human life on earth (Cypress). The work refers to the age of goddesses and archetypes of the past: Cypress is symbolic of the future and the everlasting youth of a man who is given a new life by a woman. The goddess is a symbol of blessings and acceptance, whilst she gives life to man, she mourns and embraces him again when he is no longer alive. The clouds surrounding the goddess symbolize fertility, whilst buds depict birth and his renewed conception.

A majority of religions practiced in Iran have absorbed customs and concepts to compensate for the great lack of an essential mother figure - or a female element - in their sacred writings, even Zoroaster took a compensatory measure with regard to the mix of angels. From an Iranian traditional standpoint, women are the symbol of life, abundance, fertility, and wisdom, for they always give birth to man. Creation of man exemplifies this combination of both the male and female form.

Aesthetically the work is beautiful drawn; with a harmonious composition and concordance of colours. The space, divided into various rectangular areas creates numerous frames around the images, and the use of design also resembles textile and tapestry work. Intricately drawn, the work demonstrates the artists' delicate hand and distinctive patterns recalling Oriental carpets, Persian miniatures and Jamevar Shawls.