THE ALHAMBRA - Granada:
HALL OF TWO SISTERS |
FROM the Lions' Court we pass into the Sala de dos Hermanas or Hall
of the Two Sisters, so called from two large and singularly beautiful
pieces of marble, which form part of the pavement, and are to be seen
on either side of the fountain. They measure fifteen feet in length
by seven and a half in breadth, and are entirely free from flaw or
stain. The eye is lost in contemplating the rich assemblage of ornaments,
which appear in every part of this noble hall.
From the pavement to the beginning of the arches, the walls are decorated
with elegant mosaic: the pannels between the arches are filled with
a very delicate ornament, which at a little distance has the appearance
of a plain mass; and the ceiling, which is carefully preserved from
the injuries of the weather, is composed of stalactites in stucco,
and is finished in a style of equal elegance.
The distribution of the various parts of this noble apartment is truly
enchanting. The four balconies above were occupied by musicians; below
sat the women; and a jet d'eau in the centre diffused a refreshing
coolness through the hall. The windows in the back ground are finished
in a similar style, and look into the little myrtle garden of Lindaraxa,
which, being neglected like the rest of the palace, is no longer the
lovely spot it was in the time of the Arabs. The exquisite mosaics
in this Hall are delineated at large in Plates LI I. LIB. and LIV.
infra; and two pannel ornaments, with three of its circular Cufic
inscriptions, in Plate LXXXVI. infra.
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CarMalaga.Com Tip: The Abencerrages
hall |
| The Hall of the Abencerrages
appears to have been a central saloon communicating with the other
apartments of the palace. Every possible variety of combinations,
which can be devised by ingenuity or patience, is employed to decorate
the walls and ceiling; and is executed in the most exquisite manner
that can be conceived. The lines regularly cross each other in a thousand
forms; and, after manifold windings, return to the spot whence they
first begin. An inspection of Plate LV. in which one of these admirable
mosaics is delineated, will give a more correct idea of the taste
and beauty which pervade them, than could be obtained from a mere
description, or from a minute examination of the present engraving.
These uncommon designs appear again in different parts, and were probably
formed by pouring prepared gypsum into moulds, and, after applying
it to the walls, by painting it with gold, azure, and purple. The
ceiling itself is equally extraordinary, and worthy of admiration:
it presents a series of grottos, from which depend stalactites, painted
of various colours. |
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