CLEP Humanities : Analyzing the Form of Medieval 2D Visual Art

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for CLEP Humanities

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Example Questions

Example Question #512 : 2 D Art

What form of art was developed by Islamic artists who did not draw living figures because of proscriptions in the Quran?

Possible Answers:

Sculpture

Landscaping

Painting

Calligraphy

Architecture

Correct answer:

Calligraphy

Explanation:

The Quran, the Islamic holy book, made Muslim artists pursue calligraphy for two different but related reasons. Calligraphy was the easiest mode of transmission for the written Quran in the early years of the religion. Additionally, Quranic prohibitions on creating figurative art made many Muslim artists pursue the geometrical and literary art of calligraphy.

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