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How can an exhibition on the Koran, Tanach and Bible contribute to a society in which ideological differences create less tension? This is one of the questions you can find answers to in the multi-facetted exhibition Holy Scriptures– Tenach, Bible, Koran at museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht.
Most people are familiar with the Bible and know that this religious book is linked to Christianity. But consulting the book regularly, at home or in church, is behind us, let alone creating sufficient space to delve into the holy books of Judaism and Islam. However, in these days of increasing mutual division and fear of ideological differences, this is a missed opportunity. The exhibition Holy Scriptures – Tanach, Bible, Koran invites new connections between Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The sacred books of the three monotheistic world religions share common roots. Moreover, they are made at the intersection of different cultures and religions and often produce a fascinating interplay. Those who take a close look at the exhibition will equally discover that we can meet again every day through the past, in this present towards a common future, whether we believe in anything or not.
Design and arrangement
Holy Scripture was created in close cooperation with Utrecht University. A large number of important art treasures from the University Library’s depot are presented at the exhibition, complemented by masterpieces from museums and libraries across Europe, including the World Museum Rotterdam, the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam, The British Library in London, the Royal Library in Copenhagen and the Staatsbibliothek in Berlin.
The exhibition is set up on the first floor of the museum. A manageable free blue catalogue is available at the entrance. It contains explanatory texts to the numbered exhibits and books. And that is necessary because there is a lot to explore. The variety of objects and writings on display is framed by nine themes that you can consult both on the walls, in the catalogue and at a glance on a map of the exhibition on the last page of the blue brochure. There you will also see that in five successive rooms you will be taken on a viewing and reading adventure in which marvel and discovery go hand in hand. Besides manuscripts, attributes and book bindings, paintings, graphics and photographic works are on display. In addition, you can watch three iPad presentations and four videos including an introduction and a series of interviews, more about which later.
Pearls
So there is much to see and experience. A first highlight is the Soignies Psalter, laid open in room two where two sheets of it are displayed under the theme ‘Bringers of the Word’. The psalter dates from the second half of the 11th century. Jesus is depicted in two parts. On the left leaf, we see him blessing as the son of God and also teacher and ruler of the world. He is surrounded by a celestial halo, with the four evangelists in the corners. On the right, we discern how he is crucified as a human being and thereby overcomes the devil, who winds around the cross wood like a snake under his feet. Mary and John stand to the left and right of the crucified one, respectively, with sad symbolic figurations of fire, air, water and earth in the corners.
Another special attraction is the iPad presentation of the Moreh nevoechim, meaning ‘the Guide for the Confused’, penned by the medieval Jewish scholar and physician Maimonides. This writing represents religious texts and perceptions within rabbinic Judaism on the one hand, but on the other hand seeks to connect with the classical philosophy of Aristotle. Initially discredited, the work is now among the Jewish classics.
The alternation from the first three rooms to room four is surprising and also welcome. In the first three rooms, writings are predominantly displayed. The visitor is additionally involved in beautiful calligraphy in various versions. Room four breaks through this. A video here shows how the holy books are used during contemporary worship services, by Muslims in the mosque, by Jews in the synagogue and by Christians in the church. In addition, three showcases display objects that have intimate relations with the handling and worship of the three holy books, often provided with sacred texts, to which special effects are attributed. The blue catalogue explains the function of the three jades displayed side by side. They are beautifully decorated silver pointing sticks used during readings from the Torah. The display case with objects from Islam shows the mahfaza, a special Iranian-made Koran holder from the 18th century. After all, a Koran should not be placed on an unclean floor.
Utrecht Psalter
The various objects, writings, paintings and photographs in the fifth and last room highlight cultural and religious influences through the ages. Here you will find the world-famous ninth-century Utrecht Psalter from the depot of the Utrecht University Library. In 2015, it was added to UNESCO Memory of the World Register for documentary heritage. See for yourself how the illustrators in this unique psalm book accentuate Christ’s holiness with an almond-shaped halo and a halo around his head.
Golden Rule
The latter room also shows a video recording in which Jewish, Christian and Muslim Dutch people talk about what the holy books mean to them personally. Among them are children and adults, strangers and acquaintances. One Muslim articulates his religious experience as follows: “My faith is quite a ‘hot topic’ these days. That may be negative but also positive. I think Muslims nowadays are much more aware that they are Muslim, that they are working on their identity and are also becoming more engaged with Islam. It is also positive that non-Muslims are becoming interested in Islam.” TV presenter Annemiek Schrijver thinks “the books are meant to grow inwardly, to get wisdom from them.” Moroccan writer Abdelkader Benali added: “The three books are brothers. The Quran is my guidebook to those other books.” But it is essentially the so-called ‘Golden Rule’ that links the interviewees with their mutually different ideological roots: what you do not want done to you, do not do to another, and so treat others as you would also like to be treated.
In the diversity of interpretations provided by the sacred writings over the past centuries and brought together by this exhibition, may we take the above precept with us on our way back to our own homes, to our loved ones, our work, our living together in communion. Go and see because “whether we are Jewish, Christian or Muslim, follow another faith or no faith at all, the beauty of the sacred writings can be admired by all.” In discovering and acknowledging other worldviews and cultural practices, lies the source of enrichment, deepening and fruitful communication. Surprising connections in this exhibition connect differences.
Visitor information about the exhibition could be found in 2016 on Museum Catharijneconvent’s website.
Cora Westerink (1965), alumna Tilburg University and Arts Academy
