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Hossein Altafi (1906–1979) was one of the most distinguished Persian miniaturists and traditional artists of 20th-century Iran, who devoted more than five decades of his life to artistic creation and education. Born in Tehran, he showed a sensitive, nature-loving spirit from early childhood, and his deep attraction to form and color emerged at a very young age. Despite family opposition, he persistently chose the path of art and, in his teenage years, began his formal training under the renowned master Hossein Behzad. Altafi later entered the Higher School of Iranian Arts (Sanaye-e Ghadimeh) and further refined his skills in miniature painting under masters such as Hadi Tajvidi. He developed a distinctive personal style, particularly in floral and bird painting, and in later years also drew inspiration from Qajar-period painting. His works reflect a balance between faithfulness to Persian miniature traditions and a sophisticated understanding of depth, perspective, and color composition. After receiving his Fine Arts degree in 1940, Hossein Altafi devoted himself to teaching and training young artists, spending many years instructing miniature painting at the Tehran School of Fine Arts. His works were exhibited widely in Iran and abroad, and in 1958 he was awarded a Silver Medal at the Brussels World Exhibition. Many of his works are now preserved in the National Museum of Iranian Arts. He passed away in the United States in 1979.
