Parviz Marzban (1918–2013) was an Iranian translator, art historian, scholar, writer, and university professor specializing in art history and visual arts. He is widely recognized as one of the pioneers who introduced the history of world art to Persian readers through authoritative translations and scholarly publications. Over a career spanning more than fifty years, Marzban produced numerous influential books that became standard references for students, artists, and researchers. He passed away on April 25, 2013, in Tehran at the age of 96.

Education
Born in Tehran in 1918 to Esmaeil Marzban (Amin al-Molk).
Completed his secondary education with a concentration in French language and literature.
Earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the Higher Teachers College (Daneshsaraye Ali) in 1940.
Activities and Works
Taught Persian, French, and English language and literature in Tehran high schools from 1937 to 1961.
Served as a university professor of English language and literature, art history, and art criticism from 1961 to 1994.
Devoted more than five decades to writing, translating, and researching visual arts.
Played a pioneering role in introducing the history of world art and major artistic movements to Iranian audiences.
Translated and edited a series of art articles from the Encyclopaedia Britannica for the Encyclopaedia of Islam.
Translated approximately 115 entries from Arthur Upham Pope’s monumental survey of Persian art.
Selected Publications and Translations

History of Art by H. W. Janson
Illustrated Dictionary of Visual Arts
A Concise History of Art
The Arts of Persia by R. W. Ferrier
Gardens of Fantasy: Seven Centuries of Persian Miniature Painting
The Meaning of Beauty by Eric Newton
A Look at Painting by Katherine Gibson
Teacher and Student by Gilbert Highet
The Tree of Culture by Ralph Linton
Persian translations of two volumes of Will and Ariel Durant’s The Story of Civilization (The Reformation and The Age of Louis XIV)
Men Who Changed the World by Egon Larsen
Persian translation of Oscar Wilde’s plays An Ideal Husband and A Woman of No Importance
Achievements and Awards
Recognized as one of Iran’s most influential translators and educators in art history.
Introduced generations of Persian readers to the evolution of world art, from ancient civilizations to twentieth-century artistic movements.
His Persian translation of The Arts of Persia received national recognition as one of the winners of the 14th Iranian Book of the Year Award.
His translation of Gardens of Fantasy was also honored as one of the year’s outstanding translations.
His books continue to serve as essential academic references in Iranian universities and art institutions.