Capital
Unknown Artist
14th century
Medium
white marble
Classification
Sculpture
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The Hearst Foundation, 1956
Accession Number
56.234.26.3
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Islamic Art department of the Metropolitan of Art, this exquisite white marble *Capital* from the 14th century the refined artistry of medieval Islamic architecture. As the crowning element of a column, it would have adorned a mosque, palace, or madrasa, supporting arches while serving as a canvas for intricate decoration. Gifted by The Hearst Foundation in 195, it invites visitors to marvel at its enduring elegance. Crafted by an unknown artist during a golden age of Islamic cultural flourishing—spanning regions from Persia to North Africa—this sculpture reflects the era's emp...