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Capital

Capital

950–975
Object PlaceCordoba, Spain
Medium/TechniqueMarble
DimensionsHeight x Diameter: 35.5 x 53.3 cm (14 x 21 in.)
Credit LineDenman Waldo Ross Collection
Accession number12.32
On View
On view
ClassificationsArchitectural elements
Description

This column capital was crafted in the mid- to late tenth century, probably in the royal workshop of the Umayyad Caliphate of Cordoba for use in the vast palace-city of Madinat al-Zahra. Made in a style derived from late Roman corinthian capitals, this capital reflects the connection between the Cordoban caliphate and Umayyad Syria, while also demonstrating the impact local artistic traditions. A small inscription which possibly reads “Fatah” may offer the name of the stone carver who made this capital.

InscriptionsInscribed in Arabic with the word or name "Fath" (victory). An alternate reading suggests that the word inscribed is "Falih," which could be the name of the artisan.
ProvenanceDikran G. Kelekian (b. 1868 - d. 1951), New York; by 1910, sold by Dikran G. Kelekian to Dr. Denman Waldo Ross (b. 1853 - d. 1935), Cambridge, MA; 1912, gift of Dr. Denman Waldo Ross to the MFA. (Accession Date: January 4, 1912)

There are no works to discover for this record.