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The depiction of the human figure, normally considered idolatry and forbidden under Islamic law, was much less constrained in miniature paintings.

Why is this?
The figures found in miniatures always conveyed religious peity and worship
Miniatures were an art of the court, and therefore were not generally seen in public
Miniatures were considered holy in and of themselves, thereby allowing the depiction of figures
The figures found in miniatures were distorted and abstract, so as not to promote idolotry

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The depiction of the human figure was less constrained in miniature paintings in the Islamic world for various reasons, including the religious significance of miniatures and the distortions used in the figures.


Step-by-step explanation:

The reason the depiction of the human figure was much less constrained in miniature paintings in the Islamic world is because miniatures were considered holy in and of themselves, thereby allowing the depiction of figures.

Miniatures were a form of art that was primarily created for the court and were not generally seen in public, which allowed for more freedom in terms of subject matter.

Additionally, the figures found in miniatures were often distorted and abstract, in order to avoid promoting idolatry and to ensure they did not resemble real human figures too closely.


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