Architectural Model
ca. 1865 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Object Type
This model of an arch from the Moorish palace the Alhambra at Granada was probably made by the Granada model-maker Don Raphael Contreras. Such models were frequently sold to tourists, many of them British, during the 19th century. On one level they were high-class souvenirs, but on another level they were well-made miniature versions of a celebrated monument that was widely admired all over Europe.
Subject
The Alhambra Palace in Granada was built during the Nasrid dynasty (1232-1492), the last period of Moorish (or Muslim) rule in Spain. Granada was the last surviving bastion of Islam in Spain until captured by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. The Spanish did not demolish the Alhambra, but protected and enriched it. In the 16th century Emperor Charles V built his own palace within the site.
Materials & Making
Plaster reproductions were made in great numbers during the 19th century. Plaster was a fairly cheap material and could be cast in moulds, so that copies could easily be made of the original sculpture or architectural detail, and further identical reproductions could be made to be sold more widely. Often, as here, the plaster model would then be embellished with colour or finer detailing.
This model of an arch from the Moorish palace the Alhambra at Granada was probably made by the Granada model-maker Don Raphael Contreras. Such models were frequently sold to tourists, many of them British, during the 19th century. On one level they were high-class souvenirs, but on another level they were well-made miniature versions of a celebrated monument that was widely admired all over Europe.
Subject
The Alhambra Palace in Granada was built during the Nasrid dynasty (1232-1492), the last period of Moorish (or Muslim) rule in Spain. Granada was the last surviving bastion of Islam in Spain until captured by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. The Spanish did not demolish the Alhambra, but protected and enriched it. In the 16th century Emperor Charles V built his own palace within the site.
Materials & Making
Plaster reproductions were made in great numbers during the 19th century. Plaster was a fairly cheap material and could be cast in moulds, so that copies could easily be made of the original sculpture or architectural detail, and further identical reproductions could be made to be sold more widely. Often, as here, the plaster model would then be embellished with colour or finer detailing.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Painted stucco and marble |
Brief description | Architectural Model of a large lateral arch in the hall of the Comares, Palace of the Alhambra, probably made by the firm of Don Raphael Contreras in Granada, Spain, about 1865 |
Physical description | Architectural model of an arch from the Moorish palace the Alhambra at Granada , a large lateral arch in the hall of the Comares. Coloured stucco, framed and glazed. |
Dimensions |
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Gallery label |
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Credit line | Presented by the Countess von Bothmer |
Object history | Probably made by the firm of Don Raphael Contreras in Granada, Spain. The delicate Islamic decoration of the fourteenth century Moorish palace of the Alhambra in Spain inspired the Alhambresque style of the nineteenth century, especially associated with Owen Jones (case 41). This is a model of one of the large side arches in the Hall of Comares. |
Subjects depicted | |
Place depicted | |
Summary | Object Type This model of an arch from the Moorish palace the Alhambra at Granada was probably made by the Granada model-maker Don Raphael Contreras. Such models were frequently sold to tourists, many of them British, during the 19th century. On one level they were high-class souvenirs, but on another level they were well-made miniature versions of a celebrated monument that was widely admired all over Europe. Subject The Alhambra Palace in Granada was built during the Nasrid dynasty (1232-1492), the last period of Moorish (or Muslim) rule in Spain. Granada was the last surviving bastion of Islam in Spain until captured by Ferdinand and Isabella in 1492. The Spanish did not demolish the Alhambra, but protected and enriched it. In the 16th century Emperor Charles V built his own palace within the site. Materials & Making Plaster reproductions were made in great numbers during the 19th century. Plaster was a fairly cheap material and could be cast in moulds, so that copies could easily be made of the original sculpture or architectural detail, and further identical reproductions could be made to be sold more widely. Often, as here, the plaster model would then be embellished with colour or finer detailing. |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | REPRO.1890-52 |
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Record created | March 27, 2003 |
Record URL |
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