From Eastern Europe to the Christian Near East: The Transfer of Iconographic Elements in Printed Books, 16th to 18th Centuries

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines the iconographic and decorative features of early modern books printed for Arabic-speaking Christian communities, drawing on research conducted within the TYPARABIC project. It highlights Romania’s central role in shaping the visual language of Arabic printing and situates this activity within wider European artistic networks. The study shows how engravers combined Western and Eastern models, creatively adapting rather than directly copying their sources. Particular attention is given to recurring motifs, such as title-page ornaments, heraldic imagery, illustrations, headpieces and tailpieces, which reveal complex patterns of transmission across regions and confessions. The material demonstrates the mobility of visual models between Europe and the Arab Christian East and underscores the need for further iconographic research on this interconnected artistic landscape.