The art and material culture of the Islamic world is rich in iconography – from Persian paintings to Afghan war rugs – with complex layers of meaning that are not necessarily understood at first glance. Such imagery can be comprehended through numerous lenses, from pre-Islamic concepts and literary themes to politically-driven motivations or religious beliefs and practices. Through a series of case studies of examples of painting, ceramics, metalwork, textiles, and contemporary art, the course examines the meanings behind the iconography on objects from across the Middle East and Central Asia, dating from the medieval period to the present day.
The Department of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations (Culture, History)
St. George
Fahmida Suleman