Hispano-Muslim Art and Architecture Features
This can be seen in the Alhambra. In many cases, it hides the architecture itself because there is plenty of decoration. It aims to give a luxurious appearance, but the structures are made with poor materials. Decoration is applied to architecture or objects like a skin, covering everything. Indoors, illusionism aims to create a transformation of space through spatial continuity and three-dimensionality. It is covered from floor to ceiling, as seen in textiles.
There are two basic principles:
- Repetition: A module is repeated many times, allowing for infinite growth.
- Mixing different textures and materials (plaster, wood, ceramics, etc.).
Motifs
Overlapping or interrelated.
Plant Decoration
Acanthus, a mixture of vegetables with lines of symmetry. For example, the decoration of the Hall plates in Rico Medinat Al Zahara: marble-made stockings, palms, complete palmettos, or scrolls. Elements closely linked to the classical tradition during the Byzantine Umayyad period, but increasingly more stylized and simplified, are opposed to classical naturalism.
Presence of the Tree of Life or HOM, which is used as a vertical symmetry axis, from Mesopotamia to reach the Hispano-Muslim world. In Mesopotamia, it initially had a cosmic sense (creator god), but in the Islamic world, its meaning is not certain.
Geometrical Tracery Decoration
Consists of networks of interlinked sites that arise from a generator module (a star of different points, hexagonal or octagonal). Developments are achieved, covering more extensive areas than necessary. Infinite continuity. It is also used in carpets and textiles. Linked to mathematical knowledge, it is a very conceptual and abstract decoration.
Alternatively, we have to identify a three-dimensional element: the Mocárabe or Muqarnas, which are a series of prisms of different shapes and sizes that are placed staggered on each other. The elements may be hanging (in a dome, evoking stalactites) or juxtaposed (on a wall).
Epigraphic Decoration
This is the use of Arabic calligraphy, which is the language of revelation, as the word of God becomes more important when displayed. The calligrapher is the most important artist. It is twofold:
Ornamental Character
- Kufic Calligraphy: Drawn from the city of Kufa in Iraq. It is capitalized, sober, and straight. It began to be used in the Umayyad period and continued to be used throughout the era.
- Naskhi Calligraphy: Used in the Almohad period in Spain. The letters are different from the previous because it is regular or cursive writing, softer, more flexible, and more curvilinear.
For example, we can see both calligraphy styles in the Alhambra in Granada or the Mosque of Cordoba. They provide information; they have a documentary value. We see dates, Koranic texts, and literary or poetic excerpts.
There is a trend of horror vacui because all the decoration fills the architecture up and down, masking and hiding it.
Figurative Decoration
It involves all living beings, men, and animals. Is there aniconism? No icons; images are not represented in the religious sphere, as they are believed to potentially lead to idolatry. Worldwide palatine, if there are figures, but most have been lost.
Specific Characteristics of Hispano-Muslim Arts
- It is an important receptor, heir to traditions that give it its richness and specificity.
- It is part of Islam.
- It formed between the eighth and tenth centuries, coinciding with the consolidation of the Umayyad dynasty in Spain.