Publication Date
Abu Jaafar Ahmad Al-Muqtadir (ruled 437-473 / 1046-1081)
Publication Place
-
National Archaeological Museum
Subject
Multicolored and patterned plaster.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 162 سم؛ العرض: 151 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
50440
Record ID
object;ISL;es;Mus01;8;ar
Library Location
National Archaeological Museum
Date
Abu Jaafar Ahmad Al-Muqtadir (ruled 437-473 / 1046-1081)
Notes
This decorative gypsum fragment, which is richly engraved, was obtained from the northern hall of the Jaafaria Palace. Its middle part consists of an arrangement of arches with different lines and crossings, resting on columns with compound capitals and bodies decorated with zigzags. The recesses are furnished with abstract elements forming spiral decorations, inside which are engraved palmettes, pomegranates, and various floral elements. Above the series of nodules, remains of a Kufic inscription are still standing, where we can read: “The Believers.” On the lower part, a wide band of geometric, floral and writing elements appears. The gypsum retains traces of multiple colors consisting of red, blue, white and black. In this fresco painting, architectural, geometric and plant shapes intertwine in a complex way. The delicate trimming of vegetal forms almost evokes the trimming of a small box, and denotes a taste for luxury arts. It is clear that there was a special taste and an independent style in the Kingdom of the Taifa in Zaragoza, although they were linked to the controversial past. It is certain that the northern hall of the palace, also called the “Gilded Hall” or the “Marble Hall,” to which this frieze belongs, was the Throne Hall, designated for ceremonial purposes. In addition to written sources, architectural and decorative remains allow us to get an idea of the original decoration. According to a poetic text by Al-Muqtadir himself, this hall was beautifully decorated.
Sample Text
Margarita Sánchez Llorente “Frieze” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;es;Mus01;8;ar
