Module 5: Single Artwork Analysis

(Court of the lions, Alhambra. Made by Muhammad V. 1362-1391 C.E.) The Court of the Lions is in the main courtyard of the Nasrid dynasty in Granada, Spain. It is said that the Court of the Lions is the most exclusive courtyard of the Nasrid Palace and therefore was saved for the ruler and his harem. This name was given to the court because of the twelve lions that surround the fountain in the middle of the patio. The fountain portrays a complex water system. The lion statues have openings from their mouths where water shoots out into a hollowed path in the floor. This allows the water to fill in and out of the shallow path without overspilling from the fountain. The Palace of Lions is one of the most famous of the Alhambra, made up of gardens, palaces, and forts making it a very beautiful and welcoming environment. The Alhambra was built as the largest in Spain. Another courtyard called the Court of the Myrtles, located just west of the Court of the Lions, is another frequently celebrated court. The Court of the Lions was made by Muhammed V between 1362 and 1391. The courtyard is divided into four different parts, each symbolizing a different part of the world, to incorporate the origin of Islamic gardening. Each part is accompanied by a water channel that stands as the four rivers of paradise. This means that the courtyard is acting as this materialistic representation of paradise with the pretty gardens, complex water systems, and detailed columns forming an ideal utopia. The structure of the courtyard helps us to understand the amount of time and energy put into building the palace because of the intricate designs and details that take place. The Palace of the Lions can be compared to the Palace of Comares because of the similarities in the architectural pattern like the central open-air courtyard. This is one of the most admired courts of architectural structure because of the perfection of the column work. The Court of the Lions is the most celebrated Muslim patio. The visual elements of this courtyard symbolize a sense of wealth and fulfilment because of the materials used, the complexity of the structure, and the precision of every detail. Dr. Shadieh Mirmobiny, "The Alhambra," Smarthistory, August 8, 2015, https://smarthistory.org/the-alhambra/. Massiot, G., & cie. (1910). Alhambra Palace Complex: Court of the Lions, detail of central fountain and lions. https://curate.nd.edu/show/cv43nv95x7q