Beauty and Islam: Aesthetics in Islamic Art and Architecture

“Beauty and Islam” delves into the realm of aesthetics within classical Islamic thought, examining how contemporary theories shed light on Islamic art and architecture. Valerie Gonzalez provides fresh insights by exploring diverse examples, from the Qur’an and the Alhambra to contemporary works by artists and philosophers. By tracing the origins of Islamic aesthetics to medieval philosophers like Avicenna and Averroes, Gonzalez reveals that aesthetic theory in Islam is intricately linked to broader discussions on theology, ethics, physics, and metaphysics.

This comprehensive exploration invites readers to reconsider the significance of beauty within Islamic culture and its profound connections to philosophical and theological discourse. Through an interdisciplinary approach, “Beauty and Islam” offers a nuanced understanding of Islamic aesthetics, enriching our appreciation of its impact on art, architecture, and broader cultural expression.