Examining the Mythological Significance of the Cypress Motif and Its Visual Analysis in a Particular Collection of Iranian Paintings

The artist’s ideas can be expressed most effectively through the use of symbols in art. A tree is a symbol used in art, and the cypress is a tree that was used in Iranian motifs in the past. The goal of this study is to visually examine an example of Iranian paintings using mythology as a method. Is the cypress motif considered a symbol of Iran? That’s the primary question of this research. The path of this research is the etymology of the motif of the cypress tree in Iran using the natural mythology method of Max Müller, and the visual analysis of the presence of this motif in 3 examples of works of art with the motif of the cypress tree from Iranian paintings, using the semiotic method. Knowing the mythological roots of this ancient symbol and what narratives are behind it is essential in the analysis of Iranian-Islamic works of art. According to the research findings, the cypress has been a symbol of endurance and immortality for Iranians throughout history. From ancient times to the present day, the attacks of invading nations on Iran, which sometimes led to the defeat and surrender of Iranians, never caused them to abandon their originality and identity throughout history, To remind the world of this point, they always use the cypress symbol in works of art, which is an Iranian symbol.