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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.
Capital
Umayyad Dynasty
950–975
Object Place: Cordoba, Cordoban caliphate, Spain
Medium/Technique
Marble
Dimensions
Height x Diameter: 35.5 x 53.3 cm (14 x 21 in.)
Credit Line
Denman Waldo Ross Collection
Accession Number12.32
CollectionsEurope, Islamic Art
ClassificationsArchitectural elements
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.
DescriptionColumn capital with four-petaled flowers in double scrolls on the lower part; leaves, scrolls and flowers above with a narrow bead molding between. White marble, a good deal blackened and damaged. Matches several inscribed capitals in situ at Medina az-Zahra with dates between 951 and 973.
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)