Stucco Fragment
Unknown Artist
probably 8th–12th century
Medium
Stucco; carved, painted
Dimensions
H. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm) W. 2 9/16 in. (6.5 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
48.101.1047
Art Historical Context
This exquisite stucco fragment, likely created between the 8th and 12th centuries, invites visitors to marvel at the sophistication of early Islamic artistry. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department Islamic Art and acquired through the Rogers Fund 1948, this piece—measuring just 4 3/4 inches high—survives as a testament to the architectural splendor of the era. Its modest dimensions belie the skill involved in shaping stucco, a versatile medium made from lime plaster, into durable decorations. Carved in relief and enhanced with paint, the fragment highlights a key technique in I...