Splendour and Bliss

It looks like it was painted yesterday, so bright is the cobalt blue of a Persian twelve-pointed star tile from circa 1445. The tile will be on show as part of the exhibition Splendour and Bliss: Arts of the Islamic World, at the Gemeentemuseum, from September 2018, to March 2019, along with hundreds of other treasures that have seldom, if ever, been exhibited before. For the first time in many years, this exhibition, and this glorious accompanying catalogue, will shine the spotlight on the Gemeentemuseum's rich collection of Islamic art. The wide-ranging collection, featuring glass, metal, rugs and wooden doors dating from 900 to 1900, is one of the finest in the Netherlands.From flowing calligraphy to exuberant floral motifs, from geometric star patterns to endless arabesques and life-like birds and fish, Splendour & Bliss: Arts of the Islamic World will bring together many highlights of Islamic art. The book, full of splendour and majesty, will focus on the ornamental character of Islamic art and on stories of culture, tradition and craft.Thus, it highlights a side of Islamic culture that is rarely touched upon in the public debate: the positive message and exuberance of Islamic art.Text in English and Dutch.