Artwork Page for Courtyard, Alhambra

Details / Information for Courtyard, Alhambra

Courtyard, Alhambra

1857–58

Charles Clifford

(British, 1819–1883)
Culture
England, 19th century
Medium
albumen print from wet collodion negative
Measurements
Image: 29.5 x 40.7 cm (11 5/8 x 16 in.); Matted: 50.8 x 61 cm (20 x 24 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1999.113
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

A solitary male figure sits on the low step in the Court of the Lions, one of the palace’s two principal courtyards. This view emphasizes the building’s architectural elements and intricate molded plaster ornamentation. The brilliant highlights and dense shadows create a remarkable composition of abstract forms. Fallen into disuse, the Alhambra was an alluring and romantic reminder of past glories for travelers during this early era of photography.

An accomplished topographical photographer, Charles Clifford lived in Madrid from 1852 until his death in 1863. He became the official photographer to Queen Isabella II in 1858, chronicling her public life and producing photographs of views all over Spain.
A horizontally oriented albumen print photograph in warm sepia tones depicts a man sitting within an ornate courtyard. He sits on a low step in the center foreground, head tilted down. Around him, slender columns support three central arches covered in dense, lace-like carvings. Additional arched openings lead into shaded spaces across the background. Strong shadows from our left highlight the repetitive textures and intricate architecture of the building.

Courtyard, Alhambra

1857–58

Charles Clifford

(British, 1819–1883)
England, 19th century

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