Sheila R. Canby (1949–2025) dedicated her life to the study of Islamic art and culture. As one of the leading scholars in the field, she brought global attention to the beauty and complexity of Islamic artifacts, manuscripts, and traditions.

During her career at the British Museum and later at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, she curated major collections of Islamic art. At the Met, she oversaw the redesign and expansion of the Islamic galleries, creating spaces that highlighted works from across the Arab world, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.

Her scholarship focused especially on Persian art and Safavid culture. Through books such as The Golden Age of Persian Art, 1501–1722 and Shah ’Abbas: The Remaking of Iran, she illuminated the sophistication of miniature paintings, calligraphy, and courtly traditions that shaped the Islamic artistic heritage.

Canby’s work helped museums and audiences worldwide move beyond stereotypes, showing Islamic civilization as rich, diverse, and deeply influential in global culture. Her exhibitions and publications continue to inspire both scholars and the general public. She ensured that Islamic artifacts were not only preserved but also appreciated as vital parts of world history.

Source: The New York Times