Art of the Islamic World
Calligraphy, ornament, architecture and figurative imagery coexist.
Key ideas
The concept covers the art of different societies associated with Islamic culture, and not just objects of worship. Geometric and floral designs, writing, ceramics and textiles play an important role. The mosque organizes congregational prayer through space, direction and architectural elements.
Looking deeper
The statement “all images are prohibited in Islam” is incorrect: figurative subjects are found, for example, in palace and manuscript contexts. Restrictions and practices varied. Persian book painting, Ottoman architecture and Andalusian monuments require separate stories.
Book painting from Persian workshops; Alhambra ornament.
Find the work in the museum's official catalog and start with a description of the visible details.Compare the role of an inscription in a religious building and on a household item.
External educational material or museum catalogue. The above review is not a literal translation of the source.