Understanding terminology that describes 2D art in global Islamic traditions
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AP Art History › Understanding terminology that describes 2D art in global Islamic traditions
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1
What form of art was developed by Islamic artists who did not draw living figures because of proscriptions in the Quran?
Calligraphy
CORRECT
Sculpture
Painting
Landscaping
Architecture
Explanation
The Quran, the Islamic holy book, made Muslim artists pursue calligraphy for two different but related reasons. Calligraphy was the easiest mode of transmission for the written Quran in the early years of the religion. Additionally, Quranic prohibitions on creating figurative art made many Muslim artists pursue the geometrical and literary art of calligraphy.