Presented by Michael Barry, lecturer in Near Eastern Studies, Princeton University.
A reception to meet the speaker, and a docent-led tour, follow the lecture.

Royal symbols across the traditional Eurasian world have included crowns, orbs, and scepters; thrones or standards guarded by twin heraldic beasts such as lions or dragons; a magic cup supposed to mirror the universe; a halo radiating around the royal head; even the seemingly minor yet telltale detail of a handkerchief clutched in the princely fist of Venetian doges, Turkish sultans, and Mughal emperors. Magnificent Islamic heraldry ranging from caliphal Spain to Mughal India derived from many of these symbols, which reappear in much medieval and Renaissance Christian art, from Roman and Persian origins, combining the heraldry of the twin ancient empires that once contested mastery of the world. Countless idealized rulers have sat enthroned over vanquished lions or dragons in the royal arts of Cordova, Paris, Istanbul, Delhi, and Beijing.

About the Speaker
Michael Barry, a recognized expert on Islamic art, literature, and history, helped reorganize the galleries of Islamic art that opened at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in fall 2011. In addition to teaching Islamic literature and history at Princeton, he regularly lectures in Morocco and Afghanistan on medieval Islamic art and archaeology, notably under the auspices of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

This event is open to the public and free with general museum admission.
MFAH Members always receive free admission. Seating is limited. 

A very special thanks to all of the funders who make the Friday and Saturday Afternoon Lectures possible!
These lectures are generously cosponsored by His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for the Southwestern United States.