Islamic Art in the medieval world

The aim of this course is to provide you with an easy-to-digest roadmap of the complex geo-political and historical landscape in which Islamic art developed, focussing on artistic output under key patrons and dynasties.

The eclectic language of Islamic design can be broadly defined by the use of sophisticated surface geometry, intricate scrolling and vegetal devices, stylized calligraphy, and the judicious use of figurative elements where appropriate. But there are great variations in its development and interpretation, determined by geography, history and patronage.

In this course we will examine significant influences that went into the formation and evolution of the arts of the Muslim world as it rapidly expanded from the 7th century onwards. We will look at the role of power, politics and patronage as well as ideology during the Medieval and Early Modern periods, and how the assimilation of influences from the Classical world, Byzantium, Persia, Central Asia, and China helped to shape the visual language that characterizes Islamic Art.

We will explore how under the influence of key patrons in history, this common visual language encompassed a wide range of media. We will look at aesthetic and technical developments in the principle disciplines of architecture and the arts of the book, and also at a range of decorative arts including metalware, ceramics, glass and textiles.

This course will include two museum visits.