Fine Arts in Qurṭuba

Abstract

Objects made in the workshops in Andalusian Qurṭuba between the end of the 8th century and the beginning of the 13th century constitute one of the richest, most subtle, and most important artistic products of classical Arabic culture. Its splendid iconographic, calligraphic, and ornamental language, and the skill in the various techniques of stone carving, metal working, ceramics, glassblowing, making textiles, cabinetmaking, the art of the book, and of course the famous ivories, are characteristic of this culture. Furthermore, between all these arts there was an intense and fruitful relationship, which extended to architecture. The highest spheres of the state, the learned élite, and craft studios were involved in its development, setting up a symbolic universe and material of enormous wealth and relevance for the history of art.