Arabic calligraphy

Evidence

"Taking the 17th century lion calligram in fig. A.2, 'written,' or just as easily 'drawn,' by the calligrapher, as an example..."

Remarks

The 17th-century lion calligram represents a sophisticated intersection of word and image. The flexibility of the Arabic alphabet allows each stroke of the letters to be integrated into the figurative drawing of a lion. Specific letters are used to accentuate anatomical features such as the paws and nose. Although the subject is secular, the use of the Arabic language remains reminiscent of sacred contexts. The piece challenges the strict definition of aniconism by functioning as both a linguistic and a plastic element simultaneously (p. 45).