Seville: an historical and descriptive account of "the pearl of Andalusia"Calvert, Albert Frederick
History
Seville: an historical and descriptive account of "the pearl of Andalusia"
Calvert, Albert Frederick
Art -- Spain -- Seville; Painters -- Spain; Seville (Spain) -- Description and travel
One of the doors opening on to the Patio de las Doncellas gives
access to the Salón de los Embajadores (Hall of the Ambassadors), the
finest apartment in the Alcazar. Its dazzling splendour is produced
by the blending of five distinct styles, the Arabic, Almohade or
true Moorish, Gothic, Grenadine or late Moorish, and Renaissance.
Measuring about thirty-three feet square, it has four entrances, of
which that giving on to the Patio de las Doncellas may be considered
the principal. Here we find folding-doors in the Arabic style of
extraordinary size and beauty. Each wing is 5.30 metres high by
1.97 broad, and adorned with painted inlaid work, varied by Arabic
inscriptions. One of these latter is of great interest. It runs as
follows: “Our Lord and Sultan, the exalted and high Don Pedro, King of
Castile and Leon (may Allah prosper him and his architect), ordered
these doors of carved wood to be made for this apartment (in honour
of the noble and fortunate ambassadors), which is a source of joy
to the happy city, in which the palaces, the alcazares, and these
mansions for my Lord and Master were built, who only showed forth his
splendour. The pious and generous Sultan ordered this to be done in the
city of Seville with the aid of his intercessor [Saint Peter?] with
God. Joy shone in their delightful construction and embellishment.
Artificers from Toledo were employed in the work; and this took place
in the fortunate year 1404 [1364 A.D.]. Like the evening twilight and
the refulgence of the twilight of the aurora is this work. A throne
resplendent in brilliant colours and eminence. Praise be to Allah!”
The three remaining portals present graceful round arches, enclosing
three lesser arches (forming the actual entrances) of the horse-shoe
type. These last are believed, as we have said elsewhere, to be of
Abbadite origin. The capitals of their supporting columns are fine
examples of the Arab-Byzantine style. Above the horse-shoe arches, and
comprised within the outer arch, are three lattices. The whole space
within the arch is covered with delicate filigree work.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account