Islam in Europe

The Islamic world and European visual culture were closely entwined during the medieval period and Renaissance, as evidenced by the exhibition catalogue "Islam in Europe." It explores the crosscurrents of visual culture at the nexus of Islam and Christendom, highlighting the impact of Islamic rule on the development of a distinctive visual culture in medieval Spain. The catalogue features 60 works of art that demonstrate the complete integration of Islamic art and artisanal technology into European visual culture during a period of extraordinary efflorescence.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

This captivating exhibition catalog delves into the intricate relationship between the Islamic world and European visual culture during the medieval period and Renaissance, spanning from the 9th century to the end of the 17th century. It meticulously traces and unveils this interconnectedness through a diverse array of artistic works that capture the vibrant environment of contact, influence, and exchange that flourished over centuries between the two cultures. Moreover, it delves into the reception of the image of 'Islam in Europe,' as exemplified by a significant painting known as the Supper at Emmaus, created by the Venetian artist Giovanni Mansueti (c. 1465–1527) in the latter decade of the 15th century.

Islam in Europe serves as a comprehensive survey of artistic production in the medieval Islamic world, highlighting the profound ways in which it shaped the trajectory of European visual culture. The catalog begins by exploring the early medieval objects, crafted by Muslim artisans and known to have been extensively exported to medieval Europe. It delves into the crosscurrents of visual culture at the intersection of Islam and Christendom, which had already developed significantly by the 10th century. The catalog proceeds to showcase artworks produced under the rule century, and later Islamic dynasties that ruled vast territories of the Iberian Peninsula until 1492. It also examines the influence of Islamic rule on the development of a distinctive visual culture in medieval Spain.

A central section of the catalog focuses on a group of objects that vividly illustrate the remarkable impact of refined export wares from Mamluk Egypt, Syria, Central Asia, and Anatolia on the Italian market during the 14th to 16th centuries. These objects not only revolutionized European aesthetics but also reshaped the perception and appreciation of luxury goods. The catalog showcases a wide range of objects, including textiles, metalwork, ceramics, and more, that document the rise of European craftsmanship and the refinement of artistic techniques during this period.

Overall, this exhibition catalog offers a profound exploration of the complex and multifaceted relationship between the Islamic world and European visual culture, shedding light on the profound ways in which the two cultures interacted, influenced, and shaped each other's artistic and cultural heritage. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of cultural exchange that characterized the medieval world.

Weight: 1646g
Dimension: 307 x 254 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913645588