AP Art History : Answering other questions about 2D art in global Islamic traditions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Art History

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Example Questions

Example Question #5 : 2 D Art In Global Islamic Traditions

The early centuries of Islamic art are characterized by all of the following except _____________.

Possible Answers:

early Persian, Roman, and Byzantine influences 

the use of arabesques 

All of the answers are correct.

detailed, proportional representations of the human form

the incorporation of calligraphy 

Correct answer:

detailed, proportional representations of the human form

Explanation:

Although people sometimes do appear in early Islamic art, accurate and detailed representations don't appear. In part, this is because some feared that realistic depictions of religious figures could encourage idolatry. However, it is also in keeping with the traditions of the early Medieval period, where few artists rendered figures with the same emphasis on precision that later Renaissance artists would employ. 

Example Question #6 : 2 D Art In Global Islamic Traditions

Bahram gur kills the wolf 1336.jpg blog

Bahram Gur fights the Karg, from the Great Il-Khanid Shahnama, shown here, is most influenced by the artistic tradition of ___________________.

Possible Answers:

China

Italy

Russia

Spain

Correct answer:

China

Explanation:

During the thirteenth century, Mongolian armies invaded Persia, toppling the Khwarezmid Empire then ruling the area and creating a Khanate throughout the Persian Empire. Known as the Ilkhanid Empire, the Mongol rulers adopted Islam and many traditional Persian customs, but also imported many Chinese artisans and craftsman. This Chinese influence is present in Bahram Gur fights the Karg through the detailed landscape in the background of the painting and the vaguely Asian characteristics of the main subject, a historical Persian King.

Work is in the public domain, image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Demotte_Shahname_002.jpg

Example Question #7 : 2 D Art In Global Islamic Traditions

Bahram gur kills the wolf 1336.jpg blog

Bahram Gur fights the Karg is most similar in style to which of the following works?

Possible Answers:

Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings

The Ardabil Carpet

Folio From a Quran

Travelers Among Mountains and Streams

Correct answer:

Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings

Explanation:

Although separated by about 300 years and two large empires, both Bahram Gur fights the Karg and Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings are depictions of rulers in idealized forms. Additionally, each have a blending of Islamic, Indian, and Asian influences, thanks to their artists working in pan-national empires. Both works are also executed on paper as fine miniatures.

Work is in the public domain, image accessed through Wikipedia Media Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Demotte_Shahname_002.jpg

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