Making Modernity in the Islamic Mediterranean

In the 19th century, Islamic art underwent a significant transformation due to developing technologies and globalizing markets. This period is lacking in art historical scholarship, but Making Modernity in the Islamic Mediterranean fills this gap by exploring how artists in the Middle East and North Africa adapted to new tools, materials, and tastes during this time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

The 19th century witnessed a remarkable transformation in the artistic traditions of the Islamic world, driven by rapid technological advancements and the globalizing forces of commerce. While these developments brought about significant changes in technique, style, and content, the century remains a significant gap in the history of Islamic art. To address this void, Making Modernity in the Islamic Mediterranean offers a comprehensive exploration of the shifts in image-making, architecture, and craft production across the Islamic world, from Fez to Istanbul. The book's contributors focus on the challenges and opportunities artists encountered as they navigated the changing methods of production, reproduction, circulation, and exchange in fields such as photography, weaving, design, metalwork, ceramics, and even transportation.

Spanning a diverse range of media and covering a vast geographical expanse, Making Modernity in the Islamic Mediterranean sheds light on how 19th-century artists in the Middle East and North Africa responded to the introduction of new tools, materials, and tastes from local perspectives. The book explores the ways in which these artists adapted and incorporated these elements into their work, creating a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the Islamic world during this transformative period.

Through its detailed analysis and engaging narratives, Making Modernity in the Islamic Mediterranean provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between art, technology, and culture in the 19th century. It serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Islamic artists who faced the challenges of modernity with determination and ingenuity, leaving a lasting impact on the world of art.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253060341