Ardeshir Mohasses

Iran | 1938 - 2008
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About Ardeshir Mohasses
Ardeshir Mohasses (1938–2008), born in Lahijan, Iran, was an influential Iranian designer, illustrator, and caricaturist, renowned for the sharp, critical perspective reflected in his art. Between 1959 and 1962, he studied political science at the Faculty of Law, University of Tehran. He published his first caricatures in 1951 in the satirical magazine Tawfiq, where he continued to contribute until 1959. He later created satirical work for Kayhan newspaper, Ketab-e Hafteh magazine, and other publications.

In 1967, Mohasses held his first solo exhibition at Ghandriz Gallery in Tehran. His works were later shown—both individually and in group exhibitions—around the world. In the early 1970s, his drawings began appearing in international publications such as The New York Times, Graphis, and Jeune Afrique. In 1976, he emigrated to the United States, where he lived until his death in New York in 2008, following a period of illness.

Iranian art historian Ruyin Pakbaz wrote about Mohasses and his distinctive style: “Mohasses was the first Iranian press satirist to assert his independence in choosing both subject matter and method. Through his humorous drawings on social and political themes, and his emphasis on visual expression, he transcended mere comic caricature. His main drawing tool was the Rapidograph pen, while his paintings often incorporated watercolor and colored pencils. He cited the works of Bosch, Bruegel, Daumier, Sani al-Mulk, and Coffeehouse painting as his main influences—though many of his works also clearly drew inspiration from Qajar-era lithographs.”
The Most Expensive Artwork
ArtChart | Untitled by Ardeshir Mohasses
Untitled
Realized Price
At Auctions
First Attendance
16 June 2009
# Attendance
86
# Artworks
242
Average Realized Price
3,045 USD
Average Min Estimate
2,177 USD
Average Max Estimate
3,284 USD
Sell-through Rate
85.232%
Average Growth of Artwork Worth
1202.497%
Timeline
All Art Fairs Auctions Exhibitions
2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2011 2009 2008
Articles
Ghasem Hajizadeh, from the poster series of the 10th Shiraz Arts Festival, 1976
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ایشیا (1965)، فخرالنسا زید. رنگ‌روغن روی بوم. برآورد قیمت: 350-550 هزار پوند.
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