The Moral Implications of Extravagance
Extravagance in art does not come without moral considerations. The vast amount of money that goes into the construction of stunning palaces drains an empire of resources. Competing nations might steal artistic techniques and concepts from others for their own purposes. Thieves seek to profit off smuggling and selling beautiful, extravagant art to unaware buyers. Colonizing powers rob conquered peoples of their most extravagant art pieces, separating art from its cultural and historical context. Once stolen, this art might be taken apart to increase sale profits, increasing the challenges of archeological investigation. Extravagant art is impactful, but it also blurs the lines of morality. This section of the exhibit will explore these moral quandaries through the examination of four artifacts.
The Blue Qur’an
The Blue Qur’an is being sold off leaf by leaf. Frederik Martin acquired several leaves before selling them to various museums and private collectors for $835,000. Is it ethical to separate such an integral artifact for profit? Is the prioritization of profit over the preservation of history a valid moral argument?
The Baptistère de Saint Louis was produced during Mamluk dynasty but used for the baptism of French kings. Scholars debate how the artifact got to France, and if the French had appropriated the art piece for their own ceremonies. What are the moral implications of art production and appropriation?
The Chasma-i Ayub Tile was part of the decoration for a mausoleum complex in Uzbekistan. However, it was stolen in 2014 and only rediscovered and returned several years later. How does art theft impact the cultural and historical identity of a people? What moral considerations are involved in the return of stolen art?
The Curtain for Door of the Ka‘bah was a kiswa patroned by Sultan Abdülmejid I. Initially, kiswas were made of a plain cloth with Qur'anic inscriptions, however, with time, they become increasingly adorned with gold thread and many colors. Kiswas became a pride for the crafters and created competition. Did crafters only want to make the kiswas for their social status? Does giving increasing importance to the material touches take away from spiritual meaning?
The Blue Qur'an - Catalog Entry
Tile from the Chashma-i Ayub Portal Frame - Object Page
Tile from the Chashma-i Ayuba Portal Frame - Catalog Entry
The Baptisterie de Saint Louis - Object Page
The Baptisterie de Saint Louis - Catalogue Entry