Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat

By Michael Barry,

Book cover of Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat: (1465-1535)

Book description

In terms of elucidating inner meaning and symbolism, the study of medieval Islamic art has lagged almost a full century behind that of medieval Western art. This groundbreaking work suggests how it might at last prove possible to crack the allegorical code of medieval Islamic painting during its Golden Age…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a book that changed my sense as to what we could know of the past. Its unlocking of the “secret” or lost religious codes of Persian miniature painting has proved utterly game-changing in the field of Islamic art.

I love it for the incredible beauty of its argumentation, as well as the gorgeousness of its close readings of medieval illuminated painting.

From William's list on Islamic art and it's hidden beauty.

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