Fragment of a Frieze with Cursive Script
Unknown Artist
11th century
Medium
Plaster; carved and painted
Dimensions
H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm) W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm) D. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm) Wt. 34.4 oz. (975.333 g)
Classification
Plaster
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1940
Accession Number
40.170.682
Art Historical Context
This delicate fragment of a frieze dating to the 11th century, offers glimpse into the refined world of Islamic architecture.ed from plaster that has intricately carved in low relief vividly painted, it measures just 7 3/4 inches high 7 1/2 wide, suggesting it adorned a larger architectural element, such as a mosque or wall. The central feature its flowing cursive script, a hallmark of early Islamic calligraphy emerged as artists developed more styles beyond rigid Kufic formsIn the Islamic artistic tradition calligraphy held profound cultural and significance, often conveying Quranic verses, p...