"Bellini" Carpet

Unknown

16th–17th century · Wool (warp, weft, and pile); symmetrically knotted pile · Islamic Art

The center of this carpet presents a pointed arch drawn as a triangle that evokes a mihrab, and Islamic prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca. In the lower part is an octagonal motif thought to be a horseshoe arch, probably introduced to Ottoman art from Nasrid Spain through the emigration of Sephardic Jews beginning in the late fifteenth century. Textiles likes this one have come to be known as "Bellini" carpets, after the Venetian Renaissance artists Giovanni and Gentile Bellini, whose paintings depict similar weavings as floor coverings under the Madonna's feet.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–17th century

Medium

Wool (warp, weft, and pile); symmetrically knotted pile

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

The James F. Ballard Collection, Gift of James F. Ballard, 1922