«Tutti erano ignudi e tutti neri». La fisiognomica dell’alterità musulmana

The essay explores the representation of physical deformity and religious and moral otherness of Muslims in the Middle Ages, with a particular focus on physiognomy. Through the analysis of literary and iconographic texts, it highlights how Muslims were often depicted with distorted physical features and associated with negative connotations. This representation aimed to justify their social and religious exclusion, emphasizing somatic differences to underscore an inherent otherness. The author examines various historical and literary examples to demonstrate how such descriptions were instrumental in perpetuating stereotypes and prejudices.