On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Panel

1333-1354 (made)
Artist/Maker
Unknown
Place of origin
Granada (made)

This is a panel of painted stucco from the Alhambra, Granada. The ground colour of this object is scarlet, the large compartments are blue, and the whole is heightened with gold. One quarter of a geometrical pattern in this panel radiates from a star; the compartments are bordered by a rope moulding and filled with leaves.

A similar geometrical pattern can be found in the ceilling of the Hall of Ambassadors in the Alhambra.

Object details

Categories
Architecture
Islam
Object type
Panel
Materials and techniques
Moulded and painted plaster with gilding
Brief description
Pinted stucco panel from Alhambra, ca. 1330-50.
Physical description
Based on a geometric pattern including stars, leaves and hexagonal shapes. Brightly coloured with reds. blues and golds.
Dimensions
  • Height: 28cm
  • Width: 35cm
  • Depth: 2.3cm
Style
Nasrid
Gallery label
The interiors of Islamic Spanish buildings are often entirely decorated in dazzling patterns. The upper walls are covered in plaster, carved or moulded in relief, and often brightly coloured, perhaps in imitation of textile hangings. The patterns are based on geometric design principles and often incorporate leaf ornament and inscriptions. (V&A Architecture Gallery Object database label)
Credit line
Given by Sir Henry H. Howorth K.C.I.E. through Art Fund
Object history
From the Alhambra, Hispano-Moresque, 14th Century. A similar geometrical pattern is in the ceiling of the Hall of the Ambassadors in the Alhambra.
Summary
This is a panel of painted stucco from the Alhambra, Granada. The ground colour of this object is scarlet, the large compartments are blue, and the whole is heightened with gold. One quarter of a geometrical pattern in this panel radiates from a star; the compartments are bordered by a rope moulding and filled with leaves.

A similar geometrical pattern can be found in the ceilling of the Hall of Ambassadors in the Alhambra.
Bibliographic references
  • López Borges, V. H., Burgio, L. and Clark, R.J.H. Documentación y autentificación de yeserías nazaríes a través del tratamiento de conservación y el análisis científico. II Congreso Del Grupo Español International Institute for Conservation, Investigación en Conservación y Restauración. 9, 10 y 11 de Noviembre de 2005. Bracelona, 2005. p.109-117.
  • Mariam Rosser-Owen, Islamic Arts from Spain, London, 2010, p.57.
Collection
Sculpture Collection
Accession number
A.9-1913

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdNovember 16, 2005
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O118575/panel-unknown/
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest