The Resilient Soldier of Persepolis I Mirror Artwork

This mirror artwork reflects the spirit of ancient Persia, honoring resilience through a painted soldier inspired by Persepolis

Artwork Description

about this mirror artwork

The Resilient Soldier of Persepolis I is a mirror artwork from the artist’s collection A Persian Folktale. This body of work honors Iran’s cultural legacy, blending memory, identity, and storytelling with a contemporary touch. Each piece expresses the artist’s deep connection to homeland, heritage, and the strength of its people.

The artwork features a painted figure of a Persian soldier drawn from the stone reliefs of ancient Persepolis. The soldier stands tall and composed, symbolizing resilience, dignity, and historical endurance. His form is rendered with miniature-style detail, preserving classical iconography within a modern format.

The painting is applied directly onto the mirror surface using layered brushwork and fine acrylic pigments. As the viewer approaches, their reflection merges with the soldier, inviting dialogue between past and present. This interaction highlights continuity between ancient spirit and contemporary identity.

The mirror is set within a restored antique frame, carefully chosen to enhance its historical references. Each frame is unique and hand-finished, adding age, depth, and authenticity to the piece. The contrast between mirrored light and aged wood deepens its symbolic presence.

The artwork draws inspiration from Persian epics and architectural grandeur. It reimagines power and sacrifice through personal reflection and cultural memory. The soldier does not simply guard history, he carries it forward with grace and strength.

The Resilient Soldier of Persepolis I is a visual homage to those who withstand time and hardship. It speaks of loyalty, legacy, and identity as living forces. This mirror artwork bridges ancient Persia and today’s search for rootedness and resilience.

technique

This mirror artwork is crafted on 6mm black mirror using handmade techniques that blend tradition with experimentation. The silvering layer is intricately worked with acid and bleach (jive), while cutter blade handwork adds raw texture and precision. 

Vitrail painting is applied on both the front and back, complemented by detailed copper leaf work on the reverse. Layers of acrylic, glitter glue, fluorescent paint, and spray paint contribute to its vivid, multi-dimensional finish.

Both sides of the piece are further enhanced through embezzlement techniques, and the work is presented in a custom, hand-painted frame.

about the artist

Safitown, the artistic alias of Amir Ali Safiari, is a self-taught mirror artist born in Tehran in 1978. He grew up in Nice, France, and moved to San Francisco at age 11. After studying Business Marketing at California State University Northridge, he pursued a successful career in advertising. At 40, he shifted focus to art, embracing his true passion.

His mirror artworks are entirely handmade, utilizing acid, bleach, and other chemicals to de-silver mirrors. He never replicates a piece, continually experimenting with techniques, media, cuts, and colors. 

In addition to his hand-etched, acid-treated mirror pieces, he works with print on canvas, painting, collages, resin, wood, and glass. His practice blends materials and narratives, with no two pieces ever alike. Drawing from graphic design and traditional techniques, he creates layered, reflective works and multimedia compositions.

His works are unique editions, and can be commissioned or selected from existing designs. Shipping and on-site creation are available depending on size specifications.

View his Dubai collection of available artworks here

copyright

This mirror artwork is one of a kind original, therefore all copyrights and reproduction rights are reserved by the artist.