"Bellini" Carpet
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Bellini" Carpet
- Date: 16th–17th century
- Geography: Attributed to Turkey
- Medium: Wool (warp, weft, and pile); symmetrically knotted pile
- Dimensions: Rug: H. 61 3/4 in. (156.8 cm)
W. 47 3/8 in. (120.3 cm) - Classification: Textiles-Rugs
- Credit Line: The James F. Ballard Collection, Gift of James F. Ballard, 1922
- Object Number: 22.100.114
- Curatorial Department: Islamic Art
More Artwork
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.