In his message, which was issued on Wednesday, Ayatollah Khamenei described Farshchian as “a shining star in the sky of Iranian art,” praising his faith and commitment, which, he said, infused the artist’s creations with religious devotion.

The Leader extended condolences to Farshchian’s family, students, friends, and the wider Iranian art community.

Farshchian passed away on August 9 at the age of 95 while hospitalized in the United States.