A POLYCHROME-PAINTED PLASTER RELIEF PLAQUE OF THE ALHAMBRA PALACE
Spain, late 19th century

A POLYCHROME-PAINTED PLASTER RELIEF PLAQUE OF THE ALHAMBRA PALACE
Spain, late 19th century

Of rectangular shape, carved and polychrome-painted, the relief replicating a Moorish architectural facade inspired by the Nasrid fortress and palace complex of the Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia, the architecture characterised by the typical polylobed and ogival arches, polychrome star and geometric tiles on the lower wall panels, muqarnas frieze at the top, and the heavily decorated exterior stucco walls enhanced with dense foliate arabesque patterns, rosette roundels, knotwork and geometric designs, and repeated calligraphic bands with the Nasrid motto Wa La Ghaliba Illa-llah (there is no victory except God), signed at the base Jose Molina, no. 23, set within a bone and coloured wood-inlaid Hispano-Moresque revival frame with pseudo-Arabic calligraphic cartouches on each side, the plaster relief 20cm x 12.8cm, 33cm x 25cm including the frame.

Provenance: Bonhams London, 5 July 2006, lot 178.

(Quantity:1)

Dimensions: the plaster relief 20cm x 12.8cm, 33cm x 25cm including the frame

Bonhams London, 5 July 2006, lot 178.