Artheon MuseumArtheonMuseum

Stucco Fragment

Unknown Artist

probably 8th–12th century

Stucco Fragment by Unknown Artist

Medium

Stucco; carved, painted

Dimensions

H. 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm) W. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm) D. 13/16 in. (2 cm)

Classification

Stucco

Department

Islamic Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Rogers Fund, 1948

Accession Number

48.101.464

Art Historical Context

This delicate stucco fragment, dating to the 8th–12th century, a glimpse into the refined artistry of early Islamic architecture. Likely originating from a mosque, palace, or structure in the Islamic world—possibly regions like Iran or Iraq—it exemplifies the era's penchant for ornate decoration that adorned walls and niches. Though small (just 3⅜ inches high), its survival speaks to the enduring craftsmanship of anonymous artisans who transformed humble plaster into architectural splendor. Crafted from stucco—a molded plaster of Paris mixed with lime and aggregates—the fragment was intricate...

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