Understanding of aniconism in Islamic art through some miniatures of imam ʿalī

Abstract EN

In this paper, a completely different depiction for Imam ʿAlī is presented in Islamic miniatures could be understood and interpreted as a perspective of Aniconism in Islamic Art which depends on veiling all his body, not only facial features, by fire circle as a new style of his illuminations.

Usually, he is represented with a halo of light around his face, or sometimes by only veiling his face, and in other illustrations he appears normally with all facial features.

Aniconism, as a term, was previously used in related studies to Islamic Art.

The article aims to apply and understand the term of Aniconism in Islamic art through some illustrations and depictions of Imam ʿAlī where he was avoided to be represented as a clear interpretation and indication to Aniconism.

Methodologically, it will be through exploring those depictions of Imam ʿAlī comparing with others, moreover investigating the usage of the term linguistically and artistically.