ISLAMIC PAINTING pdf download

Islamic Painting

ISLAMIC PAINTING

Islamic art throughout Islamic civilization is primarily “decorative,” that is, devoid of religious, symbolic or didactic purpose.

The applied designs on architecture and objects (which are here alone considered) are mostly of vegetal, geometric, and epigraphic nature and appear as colorful, esthetically appealing formal and rather flat compositions, full of movement and inner tension.

Why did Islamic art follow this course? Islamic religion is usually given as the prime conditioning force.

There is no question that its book-centered monotheism explains the wide use of Arabic writing which takes the place of pictorial cycles presenting sacred figures in other religions and of the minimal use of figural designs as well.

 A metaphysical reason for the use of “humble” and perishable material has also been proposed, but has been challenged.

However, the preferred application of such materials even in a sacred context is undeniable.

A second formative factor in Islamic art is the geographical environment. The hot climate, the barren, usually monotonous and chaotic landscape and urban settings were psychologically relieved by colorful, well-organized designs and architecture.

The most perfect expression of this urge for artistic salvation from harsh, unsympathetic surroundings is the walled-in, formal, well-watered garden found everywhere between Spain and India.