Capital

Art Historical Context

This exquisite limestone capital, carved in low relief during the 6th–7th century, hails from the early Islamic world and exemplifies the architectural artistry of the period. Standing 16 inches tall with a 20-inch wide top, it once crowned a column, supporting arches or beams in a mosque, palace, or public structure. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 0, it now graces the Islamic Art department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art offering a tangible link to a transformative era when Islam emerged amid late antique traditions. The capital's creation coincides with the formative years of Islami...