Capital

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic department, this 14th-century white marble exemplifies the exquisite stone carving traditions of the medieval Islamic world. Measuring about 12 inches high and wide, with a substantial 85-pound weight, it once crowned a column, supporting arches or beams in a grand architectural setting—likely a mosque,, or madrasa. Crafted by an unknown artist, its compact yet robust form highlights the mastery of marble sculptors who transformed raw stone into functional art. In the 14th century, amid flourishing dynasties like the Mamluks in Egypt or Ilkh...