Author: Sjohnst2

“The ornamented headdres, arms, and rich vestments of this figure suggest that it most likely represents a sovereign’s personal guard, viziers or amir. Probably meant to decorate the reception hall of a ruler’s court, be it the Seljuq sultan or one of his local vassals or successors, figures like this one would parallel and enhance actual ceremonies in the very setting in which they took place. Recent analyses have proven that a traditionally-made gypsum plaster is consistently employed on these figures and on archaeological stuccoes. This figure also displays integrated restoration of the first half of the twentieth century, including additions in a more refined gypsum, and modern pigments (some of the reds and synthetic ultramarine blue).”- MET

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451909

In the article ‘Byzantine Art Under Islam” by Annie Labbat the relationship between Islamic and Byzantine cultures is given a spotlight through artistic study. While the Byzantines saw the sudden rise of Islam as a threat this did not prevent the two from interacting in the realm of art. As Labbat points out, “the exchange and adaptation of motifs and genres became a common expression of power and individuality.” The relationship between the Islamic world and Byzantium was not static, and there would be frequent cross-cultural exchange.

What struck me the most was the ease to which aesthetic/cultural motifs were exchanged. While Christianity and Islam share a common heritage (being Abrahamic faiths) I had expected the intense conflicts between Byzantium and the Islamic world to hinder any artistic exhchange. However, as Labbat points out the Byzantines were keen on using Islamic writing and artistic techniques to enhance their own works. Islamic leaders also integrated Byzantine methods into their own works of art. Some saw Byzantine mosaics as aesthetically pleasing and so were used to decorate the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

(Read more here: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/bzis/hd_bzis.htm)