Before the Renaissance, Arab material goods—including textiles, ceramics, and glass—were more sophisticated than their European counterparts. Beginning in the 11th century, the Crusaders became aware of this region, followed by explorers and tradesmen exchanged both objects and ideas. Over time, Europeans assimilated Arab techniques, motives and aesthetics.

Through research on Palestinian textiles and embroidery, Hanan K. Munayyer surveys the history of material arts in Arab Lands. She will show photos of textiles and embroidery and a couple of costumes from her collection will be in display for closer observation.

Professor Jennifer Ball (Early Christian and Byzantine Art, Brooklyn College and the Graduate Center, CUNY) will be the discussant. Dr. Ball is Associate Professor of Art History at Brooklyn College, CUNY. Much of her research concerns textiles and portrait representation–with special attention to dress–in the Byzantine, Islamic and Western medieval worlds.

Monday, March 21st at 6:30pm in Room C198
Cosponsored by the Mediating the Archive Mellon Seminar in Public Engagement and Collaborative Research in the Humanities, The Ph.D. Program in Art History, and The Middle East and Middle East American Center at The Graduate Center, CUNY.