Capital with Acanthus Leaves

Unknown

10th century · Marble; carved in relief · Islamic Art

This capital probably came from the splendid Umayyad royal residence city of Madinat al-Zahra', near Cordoba, Spain, which was founded in 936. The classical tradition so important in Umayyad Syrian art is evident here. This is not surprising in light of the Syrian roots of this caliphal house (711–1031), which arose in Spain after the Umayyad dynasty was replaced and almost extinguished by the new 'Abbasid rulers centered in Baghdad.

Artist

Unknown

Date

10th century

Medium

Marble; carved in relief

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915