Artwork
Drawing of the wooden ceiling in the Comares Throne Hall

Drawing of the wooden ceiling in the Comares Throne Hall is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Owen Jones. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This architectural drawing depicts the wooden ceiling in the Comares Throne Hall of the Alhambra palace.
About this work
Overview
This architectural drawing depicts the wooden ceiling in the Comares Throne Hall of the Alhambra palace. Created by Owen Jones, it is one of 68 chromolithographic plates in his two-volume work, Plans, Elevations, Sections and Details of the Alhambra.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows the 14th-century ceiling, notable for its 8000 individual wooden elements spanning 11.3m square, and includes a cross-section of the muqarnas cupola and possibly the portico ceiling.
Technique & Style
The drawing is a detailed rendering, showcasing Jones' skill as an illustrator. It was published using chromolithography, a technique allowing for full-color prints.
History & Provenance
Owen Jones visited the Alhambra in 1834 with Jules Goury, and after Goury's death from cholera, Jones completed their joint project, publishing the work at significant personal expense.
Context
The Comares Throne Hall ceiling is a significant example of Islamic architecture on the Iberian Peninsula, demonstrating intricate craftsmanship.
Artist & collection
Artist
English architect and designer Owen Jones spent the 1830s in Egypt and later sketched its temples in crisp watercolours.














