Islamic Art: Imagery [Chronological] Flashcards
When does the Qur’an page with Kufic script originate? What does the piece provide to the context of Islamic art?
(Abbasid dynasty)( 9th-10th century)
- Arabic was a sacred language: spoken by Muhammed, also the vehicle for spreading Islam.
- Embellished writing (almost illegible), decorative features (gold bars), material beautification= reflection of the sacred nature of the content in written form
- Presented wealth: little words on animal skins= more pages for the entire Qur’an.
When does the Dome of the Rock originate? What does the piece provide to the context of Islamic art?
(Umayyad dynasty) (c. 687-92 CE )
1.)Announcement of Presence and Power: of the new Umayyad dynasty and of Islamic faiths.
2.)Demonstrated Umayyad Control: In Jerusalem when Mecca (the holiest city) wasn’t under their control.
3.)Adopt plans (central), materials (mosaics), and motifs (vegetal, ornament, gold backgrounds, winged crowns, trophies) familiar and meaningful to the current population and member of other faiths (Romans, Sassininan, and Byzantine Christian)
4.) Enshrined site. Sacred to Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Faith. Building of Mosque and palaces that projected the authority of the new rulers and reflected the growing acceptance of islam.
What are the key features of Islamic art and Architecture that the Dome of the Rock uses?
- Text/ Inscription (Qur’an and other sacred writings)
- Intricate, abundant ornaments, (Vegetal/ Geometric)
- Incorporation/ adaption of existing (often local) customs.
- Public sacred spaces= anionic –> without figures or narrative imagery
When does the Great Mosque, Damascus originate? What does the piece provide to the context of Islamic art?
( Umayyad) (c. 706-15 CE)
- Sacred site that shifted with the religious affiliations that dominated.
- Included mosaics; plant motifs against gold background (naturalistic)–> the mosaics included buildings perhaps of ancient architecture the symbolized paradise? Or the prosperity the Umayyad dynasty brought
- Corinthian style: spoila of Greco-Roman buildings–> double arcades raising the ceiling to create a more open space.
- (INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING VOCAB WORDS: Mihrab, Minarets, and Minbar)
When does the Great Mosque, Cordoba originate? What does the piece provide to the context of Islamic art?
(Umayyad) ( 8th-10th century)
- New buildings constructed to announce the new Umayyad presence and power–> the buildings served both the court and the community–> expanded when the community grew or the rulers contributed to the Mosques.
- INCLUDED: Courtyard, Prayer hall, Qibla wall w/Mihrab (off centered w/expansion.)
What are the key features of Islamic art and Architecture that the Great Mosque, Cordoba use?
Voussoirs: Wedge-shaped stone blocks used to build an arch–> spoila used to build columns
- Decorated with stripes= widespread islamic design= Legitimize Umayyad rule?
- Similar to Roman aqueducts but might not mean anything.
Hypostyle: Many columns –> widely used in Islamic architecture.
When does the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent? What does the piece provide to the context of Islamic art?
(Commisioner: Suleymaniye) (Ottoman) (c. 1550- 1557 CE)
- Byzantine churches: domed mosques on a roughly central plan –> Ottoman imperial mosques took on this appearance –> Minarets were pencil like.
When does the Page from the Maqamat of al-Hariri ? What does the piece provide to the context of Islamic art?
( Abbasid Dynasty ) (c. 1236- 1237 CE) (Contributed to: Yahya Ibn Mahmoud al-Wasiti)
- Men kneeling on carpets–> define space in a flexible way: Islamic motif.
- The Mihrab is highly embellished b/c of sacred meaning –> can have plant motifs, gold background, and text with Mosaic
- Minbar- architecturally embedded, decorated structure.
- THE PICTURE ALSO CONTAINS: Lamps, believed to have been lighted by Mohammed. and a sermon being delivered from the Minbar.
