Book cover of Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat: (1465-1535)

Book description

In terms of elucidating inner meaning and symbolism, the study of medieval Islamic art has lagged almost a full century behind that of medieval Western art. This groundbreaking work suggests how it might at last prove possible to crack the allegorical code of medieval Islamic painting during its Golden Age…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is a book that changed my sense as to what we could know of the past. Its unlocking of the “secret” or lost religious codes of Persian miniature painting has proved utterly game-changing in the field of Islamic art.

I love it for the incredible beauty of its argumentation, as well as the gorgeousness of its close readings of medieval illuminated painting.

From William's list on Islamic art and it's hidden beauty.

If you love Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat...

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

Want books like Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat.

Browse books like Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat

Book cover of A Saint in the City: Sufi Arts of Urban Senegal
Book cover of Photos of the Gods: the Printed Image and Political Struggle in India
Book cover of Art in the Time of Colony

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,343

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Figurative Art in Medieval Islam and the Riddle of Bihzad of Herat, you might also like...

Book cover of Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman

Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman by Alexis Krasilovsky,

Kate from Jules et Jim meets I Love Dick.

A young woman filmmaker’s journey of self-discovery, set against a backdrop of the sexual liberation movement of the 1970s and 1980s. In Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman, we follow Ana Fried as she faces the ultimate…

Book cover of Malcolm Before X

Malcolm Before X by Patrick Parr,

Malcolm Before X is about finding a way to continue moving forward after everything has been taken from you. While in prison, Malcolm Little discovered the power of reading and found a way to transform his character and become a better man. This half-biography focuses on that transformation, especially his…

5 book lists we think you will like!