Jamshid Samavatian was a prominent figure among the second generation of Iranian modernist painters, who were part of the neo-traditionalist movement aiming to blend contemporary art with elements of Iran's rich artistic heritage. Graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Tehran University, Samavatian was shaped by the contrasting influences within the institution. While figures like Ali Mohammad Heydarian upheld academic traditions and Kamalol Molk's legacy, artists like Mahmoud Javadipour injected a spirit of innovation and experimentation into the atmosphere. His time at the university, alongside classmates such as Aydin Aghdashlou and Abbas Kiarostami, deeply influenced Samavatian's artistic direction and left an indelible mark on his body of work.
In October 2021, Samavatian passed away, leaving behind a legacy that was celebrated in his final exhibition, "Heritage," held in January 2021 at Negar Gallery, Tehran. This exhibition served as a culmination of fifty years of artistic exploration. Influenced by traditional arts and Safavid-era murals, Samavatian's paintings vividly depict the passage of time and the historical imprints on human civilization. His renowned works often feature figures reminiscent of Ashegh (lovers) and Badehnoosh (wine drinkers) from Safavid-era paintings, enveloped in a haze of dust created through his unique material techniques.
Employing unconventional materials such as clay, mud, plaster, and gold and silver sheets, alongside various patination methods, Samavatian sought to breathe new life into Iranian artistic traditions. Revered as the father of Iran's patina by Sadegh Tabrizi, Samavatian's innovative approach revitalized ancient art forms in a contemporary context, leaving an indelible mark on the Iranian art scene.