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Islamic Art

Art that reflects the religious beliefs and practices of Islam, often characterized by aniconism, geometric patterns, arabesques, and calligraphy.

Aniconic

A style in Islamic art that avoids depicting holy figures to prevent idolatry.

Dome of the Rock

A 7th-century Islamic shrine in Jerusalem, built on the site of the Second Jewish Temple, significant to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Hajj

A pilgrimage to Mecca, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required to perform at least once in a lifetime.

Sacred Geometry

Designs based on repeated shapes such as squares, circles, and polygons, used in Islamic art to express God's infinite capability.

Tessellations

Mathematical patterns that cover a surface without gaps or overlaps, commonly found in Islamic decorative art.

Arabesques

Flowing, intertwined lines that are characteristic of Islamic art, often used in decorations.

Quibla

The wall in a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca, often featuring a Mihrab.

Mihrab

A niche in a mosque that indicates the direction of prayer towards Mecca.

Minaret

Tower attached to a mosque from which the call to prayer is announced.

Sutton Hoo

An archaeological site in England known for its intact ship burial from the early medieval period.

Cloisonné

An enameling technique where cells are made with wire and liquid glass is poured into them.

Interlace

Ribbons that intertwine into complex patterns, symbolically intended to trap evil.

Hiberno-Saxon

A style of art that combines Irish and English influences from the early medieval period.

Vellum/Parchment

Writing surfaces used for manuscripts, made from calf skin.

Illumination

Decorative pictures in manuscripts that enhance the visual appeal.

Diminuendo

A technique used in illuminated manuscripts where letters decrease in size for aesthetic effect.

Carpet Pages

Pages in manuscripts filled with decorative patterns, often inspired by Persian carpets.

Book of Kells

An illuminated manuscript created in the 8th century, considered a national symbol of Ireland.

Westwork

A unique architectural feature consisting of a two-story entrance structure flanked by towers, characteristic of early medieval churches.

Groin Vault

A vault formed when two tunnel vaults intersect, an innovative architectural feature of Romanesque and Gothic churches.

Ottonian Architecture

Architecture from the Ottonian dynasty, influenced by Roman and Carolingian styles, focused on reliving the grandeur of the Holy Roman Empire.

Gero Crucifix

An early 10th-century crucifix depicting Christ in a realistic manner, intended to elicit emotional responses from viewers.

Apotheosis of Otto 3

A depiction in the Liuthar Gospels portraying Otto 3 enthroned, symbolically equating him with Christ.

Cross of Lothair

A jeweled processional cross from the Ottonian period, linking Otto 3 to the legacy of the Holy Roman Empire.