19th Century Moorish Revival Bronze Architectural Model Panel

This architectural model features a symmetrical design, the bronze frame having three sections, each panel with large traditional Moorish architecture rounded horseshoe – keyhole arch, flanked by xa pair of smaller pierced arches, finely detailed, decorated in intricate relief work, with light arabesque motif, Islamic calligraphy inscriptions, two large Star of David hexagrams, and notched saw toothed edge ornamentation.

Provenance:
From the highly curated contents of well regarded professional antique dealers, Ed and Jane Grant, who retired after four decades in the industry. The couple supplied both their Washington metro based antique shop, Grant Antiques, and their very fine quality Connecticut showcase, E.J. Grant Antiques, with domestic and imported pieces. World travelers who especially loved European antiques, sourced their merchandise during their frequent buying trips to Europe and Asia and included purchases originating in France, the British Isles, Italy, Spain, and beyond.

“We have never been content with our established route. England is our first and favorite country and furniture. Then we discovered France. Then Holland and Belgium. On to Italy, Spain, then Scandinavia and later China. As always, bits and pieces from the U.S.,” explains Jane in her memoirs of their 40 years as antiques dealers.

Upon closing their antiques businesses (which were considered prominent sources for quality, diversity, and condition), the contents were carefully moved to a storage facility in Trumbull, CT awaiting the auction. It’s always sad to see such a fine couple shut their doors after so many years in the industry, but we were honored to have the opportunity to find some truly beautiful pieces from such a respected and trusted source.

Acquisition:
Reputable auction house, Blackrock Galleries, Greenwich, Connecticut. Catalog: The Collection of Ed & Jane Grant – Antique Business Closing, 2022.

Similar in style to Spanish artist Rafael Contreras (Spain, 1824–1890), plaster gesso polychrome architecture building models based on the magnificent Alhambra palace complex. Contreras art can be found in notable museums around the world, including numerous works at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY.

Dimensions: (approx)
15.5″ Wide, 8.5″ High, .01 Deep

Makes for a fascinating decorative object, intriguing curiosity, mounted as a sculptural wall hanging, placed on a bookshelf, or displayed at the office, it’s interesting, conversational, and artistic, likely a one-of-a-kind work, sure to bring a touch of sophisticated elegance, exotic oriental style, and inspiring historical depth to any space.

Brief history / back story:
Moorish architecture, is a style within Islamic architecture which developed in the western Islamic world, which included al-Andalus (Muslim-ruled Spain and Portugal between 711 and 1492), and the Maghreb (now Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia).

Even after Muslim rule ended in Spain and Portugal, the traditions of Moorish architecture continued in North Africa as well as in the Mudéjar style in Spain, which made use of Moorish techniques and designs and adapted them to Christian patrons.

Much later, particularly in the 19th century, the Moorish style was frequently imitated or emulated in the Neo-Moorish or Moorish Revival style which emerged in Europe, North African colonies and America as part of the Romanticist interest in the “Orient” and also, notably, as a recurring choice for new Jewish Synagogue architecture.

This architectural style blended influences from Berber culture in North Africa, pre-Islamic Iberia (Roman, Byzantine, and Visigothic), and contemporary artistic currents in the Islamic Middle East to elaborate a unique style over centuries.

Orientalism is the imitation or depiction of aspects in the Eastern world. These depictions are usually done by writers, designers, and artists from the Western world. In particular, Orientalist art, depicting more specifically “the Middle East”, was one of the many specialisms of 19th century academic art, and the literature of Western countries took a similar interest in Oriental themes.

Condition:
Great original antique condition. Very thin high quality bronze, similar in size to sheet metal. Presents very well, enhanced by nicely aged patinated finish, that does not detect from the aesthetics, but adds a sophisticated warmth, antique character, and authenticity to the overall display.