Architectural Model
1890 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a model of the Torre de las Infantas, in the Alhambra.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Marble and painted plaster, covered with red velvet |
| Brief description | Architectural model depicting the interior Torre de las Infantas, in the Alhambra |
| Physical description | The outer walls of the model (made around 1890) are covered with a deep red velvet fabric. The interior is made up of geometric floral and vegetal designs that are brightly coloured with blues, reds. golds and greens. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | The palace complex of the Alhambra is the great architectural achievement of the Nasrid dynasty. Its interiors are decorated with richly patterned tiles, painted plaster and carved wood. This room also bears a poem in Arabic describing the beauties of the interior.
The room is in a tower called the Qalahurra Nueva of Yusuf I. With its walls and roof entirely covered with dense and varied ornament, it is typical of the Alhambra.
Small windows in bays keep the room cool but allow views out to the surrounding hills.
The Alhambra became a tourist attraction after the publication of its decorations by Owen Jones in the 1840s and the work of such authors as Washington Irving. This tourist rediscovery went hand in hand with the restoration of the buildings by members of the Contreras family. This model shows the Qualahurra Nueva as it was restored by Don Rafael Contreras in the 1870s. Contreras also made models of the parts of the Alhambra for museums and the tourist trade. (V&A Architectural Gallery Object database) |
| Credit line | Given by Captain A. W. Shean |
| Object history | Model about 1890 made by Enrique Lenares |
| Summary | This is a model of the Torre de las Infantas, in the Alhambra. |
| Bibliographic reference | Leslie, Fiona. 'Inside Outside: Changing Attitudes towards Architectural Models in the Museums at South Kensington.' Architectural History 47, 2004, pp.159-200. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.26-1936 |
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 Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis.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
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | November 16, 2005 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
