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The image on the left appears to be a Mihrab in an Islamic mosque while the one on the right appears to

be a Romanesque Church portal.


Both structures seem to have many elements influenced by Roman architecture. This is evident from the
arch, dome and columns in the left picture. Here, the dome is supported by the two large columns in
front. There are also decorated capitals that remind us of the interior of a Roman basilica. There are also
two smaller levels of vertical columns and faade that is reminiscent of the barrel vaults, supporting pier
and pilasters in Roman architecture. This suggests that this Islamic structure may have been reused and
repurposed from a Roman site. Similarly, on the right hand site, various elements are highly influenced
by Roman architecture. The semi circular tympanum and archivolts may have been inspired by Romans
semi-dome and barrel vault. The lintel, trumeau and jambs are once again reminiscent of Romans
pilaster. Furthermore, both structures are made with extremely sturdy materials. Marbled stones and
rocks with different colors are seen on the left structure while white marble is the main element of the
right structure. However, the left image is more colorful, perhaps due to the use of gold, silver and
colored ceramics distinctive of Islamic religious architecture. An element of symmetry and balance is
also seen here in both structures. On the left, the extremely symmetrical is accentuated by the
thoughtful placement of domed space, pilasters as well as geometric motifs. Thus, this creates a more
organic feel for the structure itself. On the right, a lessened degree of symmetry is achieved through
axial decoration on the tympanum as well as on the panels and capitals. As such, both structures are
influenced by the Roman emphasis of balance and symmetry. The curved arch, strong vertical elements
and balanced architecture are all highly influenced from Roman times.
However, the structures are different in their depiction of the religious figures they are dedicated to.
There is a complete lack of depiction of human or animal figures on the left pictures. This is supported
by the common notion of aniconism in Islam art and architecture. Instead, arabesques, metal and
wooden strapwork, inlaid mosaic and cut tiles create the narratives (or the lack thereof) for this mihrab.
On the right, however, there seems to be a depiction of Jesus Christ and the journey to paradise. Saints,
the damned, the blessed and Jesus Christ are all portrayed in a Biblical narrative. The images even
extended to the voussoirs and historiated capitals. Another difference is the use of calligraphy and
words. Calligraphy is abundant on the left structure as decorative element while there is little use of
words on the right. As such, the left structure could be seen as more meditative while the right is more
visual and figurative. The left structure is also more colorful with its organic forms and highly graphic
decorations in each panel. The use of colored stones and metal inlaid also lends a distinctive
contemplative Islamic feel for the left structure while the right structure is more solemn. As such,
aniconism is clearly seen on the left while Christian narratives are evident on the right.
The Mihrab on the left has many similar elements such as arabesque domes, pillars similar to the Sultan
Hasan Madra-Mausoleum-Mosque Complex in Cairo, 1356-1363 (Stokstad figure 8-8, page 272, Chapter
8). As such, it could be from the Middle East region, Syria to Jordan, dated from 13th-15th century.
Meanwhile, the Romanesque Church Portal on the right bears many similarities to the portal of
Cathedral of Saint-Lazare (Stokstad, chapter 15, page 478), 1120-1130. As such, the right picture could
belong in France, dated to the 12th Century.

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