Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 15

Rafael Contreras Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque

Name: Rafael Contreras Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque
Brand: Rafael Contreras
Rating: 5 (8 reviews)

$6,250List Price

About the Item

Rafael Contreras (Spanish, 1824 - 1890) Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque, 19th century. A large and magnificent Hispano-Moresque Alhambra plaque by Rafael Contreras with Arabic calligraphy. Colored plaster (original stucco, tiling and wood), Spanish inscription label verso, signed R. Contreras in plaster lower right, inscribed "De la Alhambra" lower left. Measures: 22" high x 13" wide Good condition, normal wear consistent with age and use. Many models of the Alhambra survive today in major museums and institutions worldwide. Most of these were made by the head restorer of the Alhambra Rafael Contreras, who carried out a major restoration in the Nasrid palace between 1847 and 1889. He aimed to change the look of the Alhambra to create a more “Oriental” building. Parallel to his works on the building, he created a successful business based on architectural models and plaster casts of the Alhambra, reviving old Nasrid plaster techniques and introducing new ones. He sold these objects as souvenirs to the many tourists who visited the palace in the nineteenth century, especially from Britain, thus spreading his own vision of the Alhambra. He Alhambra Palace in Granada was built during the Nasrid dynasty (1232-1492), the last period of Muslim rule in Spain. The buildings were therefore highly decorated in the Islamic taste with geometric patterns and elaborate floral decoration interwoven with Arabic calligraphy. After Granada's capture in 1492 by Ferdinand and Isabella, the Spanish converted the Alhambra to a Casa Real, or royal residence. By the turn of the 19th century the Alhambra complex had fallen into a Romantic state of disrepair and this, coupled with the beginnings of Spanish Orientalism, drove a movement from within Spain to preserve and study the palace. The architect and draughtsman Rafael Contreras (d. 1890) was the most important member of three generations responsible for the restoration of the Alhambra Palace during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His father José Contreras was arquitecto de la Alhambra from 1830 and Rafael continued his work becoming restaurador adornista in 1847 on his father's death. The earliest visitors to the Alhambra had taken to chiseling away pieces of decoration as keepsakes. To prevent further vandalism and to capitalize on the market for souvenirs, Contreras é Hijo produced plaster replicas for retail, a selection of which were acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Lots 102 and 103 are rare examples of the firm's work in silvered-metal electroplate made directly from plaster casts of the decoration drawn from various architectural segments of the Alhambra Palace. By 1840, the English firm Elkington & Co. had pioneered and patented the electroplating technique, and wares in the 'Alhambra style', namely a massive console and mirror, were exhibited to overwhelming acclaim by the firm at the 1862 London International Exhibition. The fortunes gained from the patent resulted in a massive output of wares by Elkington incorporating the technique. For Contreras é Hijo, the exorbitant costs associated with manufacture produced far fewer works and the scale models and furnishings were almost certainly supplied on special commission to collectors or for exhibition display.

Creator:
Rafael Contreras (Maker)
Dimensions:
Height: 22 in (55.88 cm)Width: 13 in (33.02 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
Style:
Islamic (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Gesso
Place of Origin:
Spain
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th Century
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Long Island City, NY, NY
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU1798221581452

More From This Seller

View All

Placido Zuloaga, an Extremely Rare Spanish Gold and Silver Damascened Frame

By Plácido Zuloaga 1

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

Placido Zuloaga, An extremely rare Spanish gold and silver damascened window frame, in the Alhambra / Islamic taste, circa 1880. The interior is lined and fitted with an orientalist artwork throughout. Signed PZ on the reverse. Placido Zuloaga was a renowned Spanish metalworker and damascene artist known for his exceptional skills in working with gold and silver and for creating intricate and ornate designs on metal surfaces using a technique called damascening. One of Zuloaga's works is this rare gold and silver damascened frame that he created in the late 19th century. The frame is decorated with intricate designs in silver and gold, creating a stunning contrast that is characteristic of Zuloaga's work. The frame is a remarkable example of Zuloaga's artistry and skill, as well as his mastery of the damascening technique. The technique involves inlaying silver or gold wire into the surface of the metal, creating intricate and detailed designs that are both beautiful and durable. Zuloaga's work was highly sought after during his lifetime and is still highly valued today. His pieces are considered to be some of the finest examples of damascene artistry in the world, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence metalworkers and artists today. His works are in private collections and in museums worldwide. Comparative Literature: James D. Lavin, The Art and Tradition of the Zuloagas, Spanish Damascene...

Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Islamic Picture Frames

Materials

Steel, Iron

Rare Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Rare and Monumental Italian Carved Carrara Marble Model of a Cathedral, Rome, 19th century, circa 1840. Possibly a representation of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence Italy. The Italian Renaissance is renowned for its magnificent works of art and architecture, which are admired to this day for their grandeur and intricate details. Among the most impressive examples of this era are the rare and monumental carved Carrara marble models of cathedrals...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Gothic Architectural Elements

Materials

Carrara Marble

An Exceptional American Caldwell "Renaissance Style" Bronze and Enamel Humidor

By Edward F. Caldwell & Co.

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An Exceptional American "Renaissance Style" Arts and Crafts Bronze, Enamel and Multi Gemstone Cigar Humidor by Edward F. Caldwell & Co. This remarkable cigar humidor, crafted by...

Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Cigar Boxes and Humidors

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Bronze, Enamel

Al Thani Collection, a Mughal Indian Square White Jade Inkwell Cover, circa 1800

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

Al Thani collection, a Mughal Indian square white jade inkwell cover, circa 1800 Purchased from the Al Thani collection, Christies New York, Sal...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Indian Islamic Inkwells

Materials

Jade

Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Rare and Important Renaissance "Judaica" Carved Oak Wood Cabinet, circa 1680 We are pleased to present a rare and important Renaissance Judaica c...

Category

Antique 17th Century German Renaissance Cabinets

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Oak

Exquisite 14K Gold, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Semi Precious Stone Camel

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An Exquisite 14K Gold, Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, and Semi Precious Stone Mounted Rhodonite Camel. Possibly by Verdura, circa 1970, Italy. A very good quality and unusual gold mounted jeweled object...

Category