Abstract

The portrayal of women in Hafez's poetry holds a profound and influential significance, suggesting that certain verses may have been written with a woman in mind. Even within the philosophical and mystical themes of Hafez's poems, the presence and influence of women can be discerned.

Cultural illustration, particularly in the realms of books, novels, and poetry, stands as a specialized and vital field. Modern visualization techniques, with their expansive theoretical and practical applications, hold significant potential within this domain. In this treatise, the initial step involves the integration of intricate issues concerning poetry and imagery.

For my study, I undertook the task of illustrating poems by Hafez, specifically focusing on verses that capture the beauty of femininity and the spiritual essence of women, as interpreted by myself. My research argues that Hafez, as a human being, shared relatable experiences, including his pursuit of divine love through the beauty of women depicted in some of his poems. Despite misconceptions associating his work solely with his clerical background, Hafez's poetry frequently dives into his spiritual journey, particularly his quest for divine love through understanding the essence of existence. Thus, I selectively chose poems that accentuate the divine nature of women in Hafez's verses for illustration purposes.

The illustrations I have created are based on my current interpretation of these poems. However, this interpretation may evolve, leading to different artistic perspectives. I remain open to exploring these poems with fresh insights in the future. In this collection, I present ten illustrations crafted using the gouache technique for your consideration.