Plate IX. Divan at the Court of the Fish Pond

Category

Library Item

Item no

30812

Title

Plate IX. Divan at the Court of the Fish Pond

Description

In the Court of the Fish Pond, tiling is shown in the lower part, muquarnas (corbels) in the upper part.

Artist / maker

Jones, Owen

Date

1844

Size

45.0 x 31.0 cm

Type

Lithograph

Location

Art and Design Library

Here we can see one of the 'universal principles' of design described by Jones; Proposition no. 17: the primary colours - yellow, red and blue - should be used on the upper parts while the secondary and tertiary colours, such as green or orange, on the lower. The colours at the Alhambra are not as vivid as represented here, but Jones tried to reproduce their original appearance. However, he notices that decoration is quite well preserved. It was indeed the colouring of the Alhambra that encouraged Jones to research and experiment with colour printing methods, resulting in the process of chromolithography, largely used since then.

(Jones set out thirty-seven propositions or general principals in the Grammar of Ornament which aimed to improve the general artistic standards through mass education. Find out more about Owen Jones and his design aesthetic and ideals from the Victoria and Albert Museum.)

All illustrations in this volume are attributed to Jones and his sometime travelling partner Jules Goury, a Welsh architect who died of Cholera during their six month stay at The Alhambra.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Decorations

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Designs

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Patterns

Furnishings > Ornamentation > Tiles

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.