The Mosaics of the Norman Stanza in Palermo

A Study of Byzantine and Medieval Islamic Palace Decoration

By (author) D. Knipp

Book cover: The Mosaics of the Norman Stanza in Palermo

Extent: 311 pages

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Subjects: Art & Art History, Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, Medieval Studies

Series: Orientalia Lovaniensia Analecta

Series volume number: 261, 15

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(July 2017)

ISBN: 9789042933330

Price: $132.00

In stock

This book explores the making and meaning of one of the most enigmatic and singular interior spaces of the Middle Ages, the mosaic incrusted chamber commonly known as the ‘Room of Roger’ in the palace of the Norman kings of Sicily in Palermo. The unique way in which Byzantine technique, skill and style are blended with Maghribi Islamic perspective conventions and iconography while producing aesthetic interaction as well as obvious tension, serves as a starting point for an investigation of the various currents of artistic exchange and dynastic pretensions between Palermo, Constantinople, Norman Antioch and the Maghrib. Political aspirations in the Levant, Almoravid splendour in Fez and Marrakech, and the ever-present rival, the Byzantine emperor, all come to play a part in the making of the famous ‘Camera di Ruggero’.


This book explores the making and meaning of one of the most enigmatic and singular interior spaces of the Middle Ages, the mosaic incrusted chamber commonly known as the ‘Room of Roger’ in the palace of the Norman kings of Sicily in Palermo. The unique way in which Byzantine technique, skill and style are blended with Maghribi Islamic perspective conventions and iconography while producing aesthetic interaction as well as obvious tension, serves as a starting point for an investigation of the various currents of artistic exchange and dynastic pretensions between Palermo, Constantinople, Norman Antioch and the Maghrib. Political aspirations in the Levant, Almoravid splendour in Fez and Marrakech, and the ever-present rival, the Byzantine emperor, all come to play a part in the making of the famous ‘Camera di Ruggero’.

  • By (author) D. Knipp