A carved stucco fragment of wall decoration from the Alhambra...

of rectangular form, carved in deep relief with a central octagonal medallion containing inscriptions in naskh within a geometric interlace enclosing stylised leaves and palmettes, painted in red and blue, set within wooden frame
42.1 by 24.9cm.
49.5 by 33.1cm. framed

Condition Report:
As shown from the illustration, losses to the red and blue pigments and overall surface weathering. The remaining red and blue pigments possibly restored in the 16th century. Minor areas of later restoration mainly to the upper edge and small areas to the outlines of the geometric cartouches to the centre left of the panel. The calligraphy and overall design remaining clear and legible. A very small pink area of discolouration to the border of the octagonal cartouche. Fixed within frame and reverse not examined. Reverse of the frame bearing labels '13509' and '511'. As viewed.

Catalogue Note:
inscriptions

‘izz li-mawlana al-Sultan Abi al-Hajjaj nasara-hu Allah, 'Glory to our Lord the Sultan Abu al-Hajjaj, may God grant him victory'

The technique of carving stucco was greatly appreciated by the Moors of North Africa and Spain, who used this medium to create many architectural splendours. Louis August Bisson’s survey of the ornaments of the Alhambra palace in Granada show that the present fragment formed part of the palace’s elaborate decorative scheme, most likely on one of the interior walls (Bisson 1855, pl.8). The Alhambra underwent considerable renovation under Rafael Contreras between 1847 and 1889 at which time much of the original stucco was removed and replaced.

The stucco decoration of the Alhambra combined geometric designs, calligraphic inscriptions and intricate ornaments all of which are displayed on by the present fragment. The fragment retains parts of the original colour palette, incorporating traces of its red and blue pigments. The same palette is found on another stucco fragment from the Alhambra in the Victoria and Albert Museum which also incorporates gilding (inv. no.A.9-1913).

The motifs and colours found in the interior architectural decoration of the palace were reprised in its textile furnishings as shown by an ornate curtain from the Alhambra palace in the Cleveland Museum of Art (inv. no.1982.16.a). Lisa Golombek explores the interplay of textiles and architecture and it is undeniable that the woven interlace of the Alhambra stucco, as shown by the present fragment, is almost lace-like in quality (1988, pp.26-38). Viewed in parallel with the rich textile furnishings of the Alhambra, the stucco would have formed part of a dazzling, almost overwhelming, experience of the interior.

Provenance:
Christie's, London, A Window On The Orient - A Distinguished Private Collection, 4 November 2010, lot 289