Reza Abbasi was a Persian painter, draftsman, and a key figure in establishing the Isfahan School. Born in 1562, he passed away in 1635. He initially learned painting under the guidance of his father, Ali Asghar Kashani, and began his artistic career in Qazvin. Early in his career, he signed his works as "Aqa Reza" but later adopted the title "Abbasi" upon joining the court of Shah Abbas I.
Reza Abbasi followed the artistic tradition of Kamal al-Din Behzad and was influenced by painters of the preceding generation, such as Sheikh Mohammad and Mirza Ali. Art historian Rouin Pakbaz categorizes his career into three phases: his time in Qazvin and the royal workshop in Isfahan, an independent period outside the court, and his return to the royal workshop.
Renowned for his mastery in depicting human and animal figures, Reza Abbasi skillfully employed the visual qualities of line to convey volume and the intricate folds of garments. His surviving works primarily consist of single-sheet drawings and paintings. He also played a significant role in training notable painters, including Mo'in-e Mosavver and Shafi Abbasi.