@navidcasts

This excerpt, from an essay by Sheila S. Blair and Jonathan M. Bloom, examines the development of Islamic art as a field of study, particularly in Western academia. It highlights the initial lack of comprehensive resources for teaching and studying the subject, contrasting it with the significant growth and increased accessibility of the field by the early 21st century. The authors also critically discuss the challenges in defining "Islamic art," noting its difference from categories like Christian or Buddhist art which are more specifically tied to religious practice. Finally, the text traces the historical trajectory of the field's establishment, collection building in Western museums, and the emergence of prominent scholars in Europe and the United States.

#KUGE