Divine Geometry

Divine Geometry is a multimedia exhibition that explores the Islamic arts holdings within the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art’s expansive collections. Through floral motifs, geometric patterns, calligraphy, and other means, the exhibition presents the artistic language of Islamic art through an assemblage of objects rarely seen by the public.

The Wadsworth began collecting Islamic art over a century ago with a bequest from Elizabeth Hart Jarvis Colt in 1905. Although the number of Islamic works in the collection is relatively small, the objects themselves more than compensate for quantity with great quality. Rarely and important works from the ninth century onward speak to the geographic history of Islamic arts from Asia, Africa, and Europe. They represent a rich variety of media including manuscripts, tiles, metalwork, glass, textiles, and carvings. From early Qurans to an animated projection, Divine Geometry spans more than a thousand years of Islamic creativity.

Drawn mainly from the museum’s own collection of Islamic art, the presentation is enhanced by modern and contemporary acquisitions and key loans from partner institutions. An accompanying catalogue will offer insight into the Islamic arts collection at the Wadsworth and support its standing among others in American museums.

The Wadsworth is seeking opportunities to collaborate with the Islamic communities of Hartford, and more broadly within the state of Connecticut, through exhibition activities and the development of a new installation of Islamic art in 2026. In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum will work with Connecticut artisans to organize live demonstrations of Islamic calligraphy and ceramic-making to bring the public closer to the original techniques used to create the works on view.

Credit: Overview from museum website