Anonymous Art

Figures in a Rose Garden, 1450–1455 South Netherlandish Wool warp; wool, silk, metallic weft yarns; 9 ft. 5 3/4 in. x 10 ft. 8 in. (288.9 x 325.1 cm) Rogers Fund, 1909 (09.137.2) www.metmuseum.org

Both Islamic and European art was the work of anonymous artists. (One notable exception to this rule is in the realm of books and manuscripts. Certain Islamic calligraphers were famous in their day.) What does this say about individual and corporate identity? The status of artists? Our modern notion of artistic genius?

Decorative Arts     Illuminated Manuscripts     Stained Glass    

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