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"Treatise on the Veneration of the Holy Icons" by Theodore Abu Qurrah

877

Not on view

Writing in Arabic, Theodore Abu Quarrah (ca. 777–ca. 830) authored this defense of icons in 800. Greatly influenced by John of Damascus, Abu Quarrah argued that images and scripture were powerful representatives of Church dogma and encouraged Christians to continue icon veneration despite Jewish and Muslim charges of idolatry.

"Treatise on the Veneration of the Holy Icons" by Theodore Abu Qurrah, Ink and pigments on parchment; 238 folios — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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Folio 197v

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Folio 198

Title: "Treatise on the Veneration of the Holy Icons" by Theodore Abu Qurrah

Date: 877

Geography: Made in Early Islamic Palestine

Medium: Ink and pigments on parchment; 238 folios

Dimensions: 7 7/8 x 6 1/4 in. (20 x 15.9 cm)

Classification: Manuscripts

Credit Line: The British Library, London (Or.4950)

Accession Number: isl559

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Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.