From Eastern Europe to the Christian Near East: The Transfer of Iconographic Elements in Printed Books, 16th to 18th Centuries
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper examines the iconographic and decorative features of early modern books printed for Arabic-speaking Christian communities, drawing on research conducted within the TYPARABIC project. It highlights Romania’s central role in shaping the visual language of Arabic printing and situates this activity within wider European artistic networks. The study shows how engravers combined Western and Eastern models, creatively adapting rather than directly copying their sources. Particular attention is given to recurring motifs, such as title-page ornaments, heraldic imagery, illustrations, headpieces and tailpieces, which reveal complex patterns of transmission across regions and confessions. The material demonstrates the mobility of visual models between Europe and the Arab Christian East and underscores the need for further iconographic research on this interconnected artistic landscape.
Source: Review of Ecumenical Studies
Author: Alina Kondratiuk
Institution: Romanian Academy
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: European Commission
Award: G3373712667
OpenAlex ID: W7208819416
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