New on View: Islamic Figural Sculpture—Forbidden or Not?

Schedule

Wed Jun 24 2026 at 12:30 pm to 01:00 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138 | Cambridge, MA

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How to join: Check in at the Visitor Services desk; space is limited.
Fee: This is a free event.
Accessibility accommodations: Email [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance, including the name and date of the program in the subject line.
Although human and animal imagery, especially in sculptural form, is considered forbidden in Islam, many examples have appeared throughout history. This gallery talk will highlight works in glass, ceramic, and metalwork, particularly those from Iran. The objects are part of Animal Power, a yearlong installation in the galleries of Islamic and South Asian art.
This gallery talk is part of our New on View series, highlighting recent gallery installations and presenting new insights into recent acquisitions or old favorites.
Led by:
Ayşin Yoltar-Yıldırım, Norma Jean Calderwood Curator of Islamic and Later Indian Art, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art
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Where is it happening?

Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States

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Harvard Art Museums
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