1516233600
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Trapped between Poetry and Politics: The Paradox of Wine in Islamic Cultures
Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 – Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018
06:30 PM – 07:30 PM
US/Central
Presented by author, scholar, and collector Abolala Soudavar
In many societies, wine is an instrument of joy and a ceremonial necessity—yet also the subject of hostility and prohibition. In modern-day Islamic nations, the prevailing religious tradition forbids the consumption of wine. At the same time, the popular culture of these countries celebrates wine in poetry, art, fables, and more, as seen in many of the selections from the Hossein Afshar Collection in the exhibition Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands.
In this talk, Abolala Soudavar explores the development of the opposition to wine in Islamic cultures, revealing motives that were not theological, but political.
About the Speaker
Scholar and collector Abolala Soudavar, who served on the MFAH board of trustees accessions committee from 1986 to 1994, is the author of Art of the Persian Courts;The Aura of Kings: Legitimacy and Divine Sanction in Iranian Kingship; and Mithraic Societies: From Brotherhood Ideal to Religion's Adversary.
Tickets
• $5 Museum members
• $10 Nonmembers
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HOURS & ADMISSION
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Wednesday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Sunday , 12:30 pm - 6:00 pm
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ALL ACCESS tickets provide entry to Special Exhibitions and the MFAH Permanent Collections. Purchase online or drop by any admissions desk.- MFAH Member FREE
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- ALL ACCESS (Senior 65+ with ID) $20
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- ALL ACCESS (Child 12 & Under) FREE
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Special Offers / Dining
Paolo Fronza, from Fellini Caffè, runs this sophisticated dining operation. Enjoy an array of Italian-inspired fare with a Texas flair, a European-style coffee bar, a kids menu, and much more at the MFA Café, located on the lower level of the Beck Building.
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