Transformed: Medieval Syrian and Iranian Art in the Early 20th Century
At The Met Fifth Avenue
February 10–July 17, 2016
In the early 20th century, the arts of medieval Iran and Syria attracted unprecedented interest in the West. Demand by museums and collectors—especially for figural and highly decorated works—promoted commercial and research excavations, and led to the custom of repairing, filling in, and enhancing fragmentary and deteriorated examples.
The exhibition considers the legacy of such practices 100 years later, as it compares archaeological artifacts with those that were refurbished, forged, or imitated.
The exhibition is made possible by The Hagop Kevorkian Fund.
Flask with zodiac medallions, first half of the 14th century, with additions first half of the 20th century. Iran, Kashan. Islamic. Stonepaste; molded, blue-glazed, overpainted, and gilded, 12 x 10 1/4 in. (30.5 x 26 cm). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Rogers Fund, 1957 (57.164)
