In the context of this artwork, analyze the References to the East: Pseudo-Arabic Script and Oriental Carpet of the Imagery, symbolism, and technique.
Mantegna utilized pseudo-Arabic script to portray the holiness of the saints painted in the altarpiece. Pseudo-Arabic script is a kind of writing that has no linguistic or actual meaning, but rather is a kind of script inspired by the Arabic alphabet. This script can be seen in the garments, and haloes surrounding the Madonna and Child, function to further emphasize their greatness and holiness. The incorporation of the pseudo-Arabic script in these specific areas is an idea that is borrowed from the Islamic embroidered textiles, known as tiraz. In addition, the illusionistic portrayal of an oriental carpet in this Renaissance painting, found draped at the foot of the throne on which the Madonna sits, functions as both an expensive and honorific covering, but also allowed Mantegna to show off his skill a painting such a finely crafted object that was produced solely in Islamic lands. Furthermore, the oriental carpet spatially demarcated the space of the Madonna as holy and sacred. A similar Italian Renaissance example can be found in Lorenzzo Lotto's St Antoninus Giving Alms (completed in 1542), which shows two oriental carpets (referred to as Lotto Carpet).
Lorenzzo Lotto oriental carpet St Antoninus Giving Alms Pseudo-Arabic Lotto Carpet Madonna and Child altarpiece tiraz pseudo-Arabic script