Currently not on view
Fortress of the Alhambra,
1833
David Roberts, 1796–1864; born Stockbridge, Scotland; died London, United Kingdom
x1970-129
Perched above the Darro River near Granada in southern Spain loom the ruins of the royal Moorish citadel and fortress of the Alhambra, built chiefly between 1238 and 1358. The name derives from the Arabic al-Qal’at al-Hamrā, or “red castle,” referencing the reddish color of the local clay used in the construction of the outer walls. Beginning in the early nineteenth century, such sites throughout Europe and the Middle East were popular with British and American armchair travelers, and Roberts, a theatrical designer by training, capitalized on this trend by
making drawings on location for lavish publications. This dramatic view of the Alhambra was reproduced as a lithograph in the artist’s portfolio Sketches of Spain in 1837.
making drawings on location for lavish publications. This dramatic view of the Alhambra was reproduced as a lithograph in the artist’s portfolio Sketches of Spain in 1837.
Information
Title
Fortress of the Alhambra
Dates
1833
Maker
Medium
Watercolor with touches of gouache over graphite
Dimensions
56.2 x 40.9 cm (22 1/8 x 16 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Spencer
Object Number
x1970-129
Place Depicted
Europe, Spain, Andalusia, Granada, Alhambra
Culture
Type
Materials
Subject
Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Spencer, New York; gifted to the Princeton University Art Museum, 1970.
-
James Ballantine, The life of David Roberts R.A.: compiled from his journals and other sources, (Edinburgh: Adam and Charles Black, 1866).
- "Acquisitions 1970", Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University 30, no. 1 (1971): p. 22-30., p. 28 (illus.)
- Antonio Gamiz Gordo, "Las vistas de Espana del viajero David Roberts, pintor de paisajes y arquitecturas, hacia 1833", EGA (Valencia, Spain) 15, no. 15 (2010): p. 54-65., p. 61 (illus.)
