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A desire to reach to our higher instincts through the vehicle of our senses is apparent in all forms in which these masters sought to express themselves; we feel that, in their entrancing rhythmical compositions, in their incomparable poetry of flowing melodious words, in all their literature, in the inimitable colors and lyrical lines of all branches of representation of visual art. We feel the presence of an element prevailing throughout, and underlying every form of expression, an element which may be described in a word, "Human".

It is stated that the Persian spirit and feeling were reflected in all forms of artistic expression of the Muhammadan world. It is not, however, intended that other nations and countries over which Islam held sway, contributed nothing in the building of the influences of each were felt in varying degrees in the transmigration of ideas continued to take place between the nations, and the influences of each were felt in varying degrees in the transformation that resulted. In the fusion referred to, the influence of the Persian culture was predominant, a fact so transparent, as to require (we may assume) no emphasis.

It is not intended to deal here with particular aspects or divers branches of arts in which the genius of these artists found expression. In offering briefly these lines as to the general aspect of the Art of the Muhammadan world, the intention is to offer an explanation to those who may not be familiar with its history.

H. Kevorkian

FOOTNOTES

[1] "Literary History of Persia," by Edward G. Browne, M.A., M.B., Vol. I, page 186.