ISLAMIC ART
Influences:
Since the Arabian Peninsula didn't have a strong artistic tradition, the Caliphate accepted and
adapted the artistic influences of the different territories and cultures conquered: Rome. Byzantium,
the Persian Empire... they will all be present in Islamic art.
Characteristics:
*It's an extremely refined and elegant style, stylised and naturalistic.
*Gardens and water have a huge importance.
*Islamic art is mainly associated with an urban society.
*Islamic art will be strongly influenced by religion. It's specially famous for its architecture, since
Koran didn't allow the representation of Muhammad, Allah, people or animals. That doesn't mean
that there is no sculpture (Lions, Patio de los Leones, la Alhambra) or painting (Frescos, Ummayad
castles). It will depend on how strictly this principle is applied, and the force of regional traditions
(Persian miniatures).
*Islamic art is highly decorated. Decoration covers almost every surface of the building's interiors,
thought the exterior of the constructions tends to be very simple.
*They use three type of decorations, usually combined and with bright colors: patterns of
geometrical motifs, vegetal motifs (called atauriques) and calligraphy (texts, mainly poetry and the
Koran).
*Islamic art is easely identified by the archs used, mainly the horseshoe arch and the lobulated arch
(only decorative)
*Covers are flat, even thought sometimes they create domes, caliphal crossing domes or false
domes with mocarabes.
*Materials are poor (brick, wood...) and covered with decoration.
*Bulidings tend to be cubic and not high, except for minarets.
Architecture:
*The most important buildings are:
-Palaces: divided in a public area (to receive ambassadors and other administrative tasks)
and a private area (the residence area) Example: la Alhambra. All the buildings were organized
around fountains, gardens and courtyards.
-Mosques: they will have different styles according to the region and local traditions.
Western example: Córdoba mosque. Eastern examples: Isfahan mosque, Dome of the rock mosque,
Jerusalem