Oriental carpets motifs and pseudo-Arabic script in Renaissance paintings

The Eastern influences manifested in the depiction of Eastern carpets and the incorporation of various pseudo-Arabic scripts (referred to as "fake" or borrowed Arabic texts) in Renaissance artworks are a fascinating phenomenon that merits study and research into the reasons behind the presence of such influences. They reveal the extent of the Eastern civilization's impact on one of the most significant periods in the history of art, namely the European Renaissance. One of the central aspirations of the Renaissance was to return to the classical and authentic elements of the Greek and Roman eras. Therefore, the importance and authenticity of Eastern motifs were placed alongside the characteristics of these two great civilizations. It was crucial, therefore, to shed light on such a phenomenon as a means to enhance Eastern and Arab culture and identity.

The trade of products such as carpets, textiles, and other products between the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe (especially Italy) has been taking place since the 14th century. The importation of carpets, in particular, by Florence and Venice had a significant impact on the transmission of many Eastern influences in the artworks of Renaissance artists. Historical sources confirm that Italian noble families not only commissioned Eastern carpets but also the middle class commonly used smaller-sized Middle Eastern rugs. It is important to note that the Renaissance artists were not familiar with Arabic script, and their imitation of Kufic script was purely ornamental, consisting of abstract decorations resembling Arabic text. These decorative elements can often be observed in their artworks, such as halos, clothing borders, upholstery patterns, and carpets.

These Eastern influences in Renaissance artworks, particularly in the form of carpet designs, serve as tangible evidence of real models and patterns that were rare or no longer in production. This led historians to attribute names of artists who used these Eastern carpet motifs in their works.