Travel at the Met
Today’s gloomy and rainy weather did not provide me with much enticement to take out my Macaulay Honor’s College Cultural Passport and waltz on over to a museum. However, with a few hours to spare and time winding down to complete my final exhibition review for IDC, I treaded over to my beloved museum – the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Sidebar: I initially was not fascinated by the Met. It took me quite some time to adjust to the space because I easily got lost in the midst of the dozens of exhibitions and galleries on view combined with the maze-like pathways between them. However, it is now a joy for me to visit the museum and, as of now, is my absolute favorite museum.
Feeling festive as Eid al-Adha is only a couple of days away, I made my way into the Met’s collection of Islamic Art. I have wanted to see this exhibit for myself since having read a New York Times article about the collection’s opening nearly one year ago. I was particularly intrigued by the mentioning of the Israeli Prime Minister’s, Benjamin Netanyahu, reaction to the viewing – pre-public opening – of this gallery when dignitaries were in town for the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. I was also quite amazed by the pieces on display.
Qur’an Manuscript and Stand for a Qur’an Manuscript
The beauty of craftsmanship, size, and sheer impact of staring at such a large and old copy of this Holy Book were amazing.
“Album of Calligraphies Including Poetry and Prophetic Traditions (Hadith)”
“…Screens” and “Folio from the Qur’an”
“Panel,” early 9th century
I was caught off guard when I noticed a panel of a six-pointed star within the collection. Although stars are common within Islamic Art, they are distinct from the six-pointed star the gallery displayed – which I and I would assume, most people associate with the religion of Judaism. Its detailing, “the carved vine leaves, scrolls, border designs, and other details of this panel,” is archetypal of early Islamic woodwork. Interestingly, this star is prominent throughout Islamic art and Roman art.
Another beautiful piece was that of a decorated bottle from the 13th century. The use of the colors blue, red, and white are consistent with the color scheme of Islamic art at the time. The calligraphy-like styling is also another characteristic. Not only do the colors blend well, the art is incredibly detailed and tells a story.
It relates well to the following image, “Zal Expounds the Mysteries of the Magi,” in terms of those two qualities.
Even the preservation of these artifacts dating centuries and decades upon decades back in time is artistry and uniqueness in it of itself.
This art of the Arab lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and later South Asia, emerged as Islam spread throughout this vast land area and as other disciplines developed as well. Literature, poetry, and art grew hand in hand and swept multiple continents during this era.
Gallery passageways
Even more unique was the sense of a divergent culture or religion upon entering the gallery of Islamic Art. The marble and cream colors and various shades of brown used in the rooms where these works are housed mesh quite nicely with the art and aptly represent the cultures influenced by and the religion of Islam. Notorious are the half dome-like entrances used which look like the shape of a mosque.
The design fits in particularly well with pieces like this, the mihrab or prayer niche, where the correlation can be easily seen.
Liking the feeling of connecting with the art I observed, I also decided to stay true to my roots by visiting the Ancient Egyptian Art collection. After all, how could I ignore my peeps! I must say, however, that I could not help but be irked by the fact that so much of ancient Egyptian history was housed in this museum – across the world in New York City. While the opportunity to see these pieces in person would be more than limited if one did not have the ability to see them in Egypt, there are a rather large number of ancient Egyptian mummies, jewelry, busts, and actual pieces of temples or other constructed buildings. I mean really …
“Mummy Mask of a Woman with a Jeweled Garland”
Anyway, mummies and mummy masks are not anything spectacularly new for this collection at the Met, but this one was especially interesting because of how starkly it resembled the woman buried compared to the other mummies of people.
The Temple of Dendur was a treat to see as well, since I did not browse there during my previous visit to the Met.
I can’t imagine the time and effort needed to construct these monuments thousands of years ago and then create images and writing on their walls. It is extremely fascinating to think about and see.
“Burial Chamber of Sobekmose”
With the entrance to the American Wing staring at me at the end of this showroom, I made my way to this exhibit too. Although much more beautiful on sunny spring days, the American Wing did not disappoint.
The American Wing
The “Autumn Landscape” is a favorite of mine to see. The vibrancy and sharpness of tones used compared to, say, the bottle in the Islamic Art collection or the hieroglyphics of ancient Egyptian art was startling to think about because of how completely different they each are. How art has evolved and its consistent use throughout all of humanity’s history is evidence of its impact.
The View…
While not the most exciting of visits, my visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art was a pleasant one. I am excited to see upcoming exhibitions and perhaps my next visit will refocus on contemporary artists.
– Salma
Posted: October 25th, 2012 under Reviews, Uncategorized.
