Constructing a Visual Rhetoric: Images of Craftsmen and Builders in the Umayyad Palace at Qusayr ‘Amra
Hana Taragan
This article treats a group of wall paintings depicting craftsmen and builders on the east vault large basilical hall in Umayyad palace at Qusayr ‘Amra near Amman, Jordan.* *A series holding various tools their trade – one with frame saw, another chisel, third masonry hammer etc. are depicted mosaic floor recently uncovered by Dr Uzi Leibner from Institute Archaeology, The Hebrew University Jerusalem, Roman-era synagogue Khirbet Wadi Hamam, Lower Galilee. workers appear next to very building, which they seem be constructing. More details found website: http://archaeology.huji.ac.il/depart/classical/uzil/Kh_Hamam.pdf figures within 32 linked framed squares covering whole ceiling. significance paintings, iconographical sources, style question patronage examined. Depictions unique phenomenon early Islamic art. However, form part complex themes present (as well as other palaces) under heading “princely cycle”. I argue that images builders, act building location ceiling all expressions royal visual rhetoric presents Caliph great glorious builder thus forging self-glorifying image dynasty eyes Muslim Christian subjects alike. was adopted patrons art traditions Late Antiquity offer both models for presenting rulers buildings building.
Al-Masaq: Journal of the Medieval Mediterranean