Artwork
Courtyard, Alhambra

Courtyard, Alhambra is a photography by the Impressionist artist Charles Clifford. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Courtyard, Alhambra is a photograph by Charles Clifford, capturing a serene scene within the Alhambra palace.
Subject & Meaning
The image features a lone figure in the Court of the Lions, one of the palace's main courtyards, highlighting the intricate plasterwork and architectural details.
Technique & Style
Clifford's use of light and shadow creates a composition of abstract forms, emphasizing the textures and patterns of the palace's ornamentation.
History & Provenance
Clifford, a topographical photographer and official photographer to Queen Isabella II, worked in Spain from 1852 until his death in 1863, documenting the country's landscapes and monuments.
Context
The Alhambra, then in disuse, was a romantic reminder of past glories for 19th-century travelers, and Clifford's photograph captures its grandeur during this early era of photography.
Artist & collection











