Concept of “Supplicating to Imam Reza (a)” in Various Artistic Periods in Iran

The investigation of adapting religious concepts constitutes one of the important types of comparative studies. Adaptation presents the highest level of loyalty to the main text, and many artists find it as the best method for choosing a subject. In this paper, the authors aim to examine the quality of the adaption of the same concept in two different media in two different periods. Several works of art have been created based on a single concept; however, because of the differences among artistic media, it may undergo many changes in the course of adaptation. Following a descriptivecomparative method and based on library documents, this study compares the visual elements of the concept of “supplication” in two modern and traditional media: a recent TV series and Safavid paintings, respectively. Generally speaking, an artist’s particular views affect the process of adaption, and each artist benefits from the dramatic features of a concept in order to express their thoughts to their addressees based on their own personal styles and specific views of the artistic media of their own time. In fact, it can be claimed that all artists have made their best efforts in order to present this religious belief accurately.