Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

19th Century Plaster Relief Model of the Alhambra by Rafael Contreras

$20,556.31
£15,000
€17,499.94
CA$28,157.01
A$31,316.74
CHF 16,352.63
MX$381,091.38
NOK 208,848
SEK 195,862.58
DKK 130,608.73
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

19th century plaster relief model of the Alhambra by Rafael Contreras Spanish, Late 19th Century Height 70cm, width 45cm, depth 7cm This exceptional plaster relief model captures the architectural splendour of the Alhambra and was crafted by the esteemed Spanish architect and artists, Rafael Contreras (1826–1890). As the official architect of the Alhambra from 1847, Contreras played a key role in restoring the historic palace. Alongside his architectural work, he meticulously produced plaster replicas of the facades he was refurbishing. The model in Mayfair Gallery’s collection showcases a beautifully detailed façade from the Alhambra in Granada. This relief, cast from a mould, highlights an elaborate arched entryway. A finely sculpted polychrome tile mosaic dado surrounds the base, while the arch itself is framed by an exquisite combination of epigraphic, geometric, and foliate ornamentation. Above, three arched windows feature delicate pierced tracery, further enhanced by intricate carved embellishments. A notable feature of this model is the richly decorated entrance inset. Adding to its historical significance, the panel bears the signature ‘Modelos de la Alhambra por Contreras’ in the lower right corner. It is housed in an elegant glazed wooden frame, complementing its refined craftsmanship. The reverse retains a fragment of the original paper label, a hallmark of Contreras’ models, which likely detailed the subject matter for travellers. Additionally, a later stamp from a picture restorer is visible. A superb example of architectural artistry, this antique plaster relief model is an outstanding acquisition for collectors passionate about historic design and craftsmanship.
  • Creator:
    Rafael Contreras (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 17.72 in (45 cm)Depth: 2.76 in (7 cm)
  • Style:
    Moorish (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Glass,Paint,Plaster,Wood,Carved,Molded
  • Place of Origin:
    Spain
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 19th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 179731stDibs: LU956344130052

More From This Seller

View All
Large Spanish Antique Framed Plaster Relief Model Alhambra
By Rafael Contreras
Located in London, GB
Large Spanish Antique Framed Plaster Relief Model Alhambra Spanish, Late 19th Century Height 67.5cm, width 41cm, depth 6cm This finely executed plaster relief, dating to the late 1...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Spanish Moorish Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Plaster, Wood

Large Spanish Antique Framed Plaster Relief Model Alhambra

Large Spanish Antique Framed Plaster Relief Model Alhambra

$16,445
Orientalist KPM Porcelain Plaque of Interior Scene
By KPM Porcelain
Located in London, GB
Orientalist KPM Porcelain plaque of interior scene German, 20th century Frame: Height 71cm, width 64cm, depth 4cm Plaque: Height 50cm, width 39cm, depth 0.5cm Painted in the Or...
Category

20th Century German Moorish Paintings

Materials

Porcelain, Giltwood

Orientalist KPM Porcelain Plaque of Interior Scene

Orientalist KPM Porcelain Plaque of Interior Scene

$16,445
Orientalist Porcelain Plaque in the Style of KPM
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in London, GB
Orientalist porcelain plaque in the style of KPM German, 20th century Measures: Frame: Height 64cm, width 53cm, depth 4cm Plaque: Height 54cm, width 43cm, depth 0.5cm This fine and exceptionally large porcelain plaque...
Category

20th Century German Paintings

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Orientalist Porcelain Plaque in the Style of KPM

Orientalist Porcelain Plaque in the Style of KPM

$16,445
Orientalist Porcelain Plaque in the Manner of KPM
By Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM)
Located in London, GB
Orientalist porcelain plaque in the manner of KPM German, 20th century measures: Frame: Height 54cm, width 74cm, depth 3cm Plaque: Height 40cm, width 60cm, depth 0.5cm This fine and exceptionally large porcelain plaque...
Category

20th Century German Paintings

Materials

Porcelain, Wood

Orientalist Porcelain Plaque in the Manner of KPM

Orientalist Porcelain Plaque in the Manner of KPM

$20,556
KPM Style Porcelain Plaque of Orientalist Bazaar Scene
By KPM Porcelain
Located in London, GB
KPM style porcelain plaque of Orientalist Bazaar scene German, 20th century Measures: Frame: Height 78cm, width 53cm, depth 5cm Plaque: Height 60cm, width 35cm, depth 0.5cm This fin...
Category

20th Century German Paintings

Materials

Giltwood, Porcelain

KPM Style Porcelain Plaque of Orientalist Bazaar Scene

KPM Style Porcelain Plaque of Orientalist Bazaar Scene

$20,556
Belle Époque Period Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock in Moorish Style
Located in London, GB
This beautiful clock, formed from gilt bronze and porcelain, is designed and decorated in a discernibly Moorish style. The clock is supported by a flat shaped gilt bronze base, the base supporting four gilt bronze columns that support the gilt bronze clock drum. The cylindrical drum contains a circular dial, the dial of porcelain and inscribed with Roman numerals. The gilt bronze throughout is cast and chased with geometrical motifs—particularly evident on the front of the four vertical columns. These motifs are distinctively Moorish in scheme, the lattice-type geometrical sequences recalling Islamic decorative...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Moorish Mantel Clocks

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Belle Époque Period Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock in Moorish Style

Belle Époque Period Ormolu and Porcelain Mantel Clock in Moorish Style

$7,537

You May Also Like

A Large Rafael Contreras Spanish Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rafael Contreras, A Large Spanish Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque. Late 19th century. Polychrome and gilt gesso. Original printed paper label verso: "Gran Fachada Restaurada De La Mezquita En La Alhambra". This Alhambra plaster...
Category

Antique 19th Century European Decorative Art

Materials

Plaster

A Large Rafael Contreras Spanish Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque

A Large Rafael Contreras Spanish Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque

$12,000
Rafael Contreras Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque
By Rafael Contreras
Located in Long Island City, NY
Rafael Contreras (Spanish, 1824 - 1890) Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque, 19th century. A large and magnificent Hispano-Moresque Alhambra plaque by...
Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Islamic Decorative Art

Materials

Gesso

Rafael Contreras Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque

Rafael Contreras Alhambra Architectural Model Plaque

$7,500
"Alhambra Facade Model", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque by R. Rus
By Rafael Rus Acosta
Located in Madrid, ES
RAFAEL RUS ACOSTA Spanish, Early 20th Century ALHAMBRA FACADE MODEL PLAQUE signed "Rafael Rus Acosta" (lower left), and inscribed "Granada" (lower righ...
Category

1920s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Gesso

"Alhambra Facade Model", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque by R. Rus

Rafael Rus Acosta
"Alhambra Facade Model", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque by R. Rus, Circa 1925

$3,594
"Alhambra Facade Model", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque by R. Rus
By Rafael Rus Acosta
Located in Madrid, ES
RAFAEL RUS ACOSTA Spanish, Early 20th Century ALHAMBRA FACADE MODEL PLAQUE signed "Rafael Rus Acosta" (lower left), and inscribed "Granada" (lower righ...
Category

1920s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Gesso

"Alhambra Facade Model", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque by R. Rus

Rafael Rus Acosta
"Alhambra Facade Model", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque by R. Rus, Circa 1925

$4,193
1980s Hand Made Architectural Model of the Alhambra
Located in Marbella, ES
Impressive plaster model that reproduces in great detail the ornamentation of Nasrid architecture, evoking the majesty of the Alhambra in Granada. The piece stands out for its intric...
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Architectural Models

Materials

Plaster

1980s Hand Made Architectural Model of the Alhambra

1980s Hand Made Architectural Model of the Alhambra

$1,797
"Alhambra Facade Model Plaque", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque
Located in Madrid, ES
UNKNOWN ARTIST Spanish, Early 20th Century ALHAMBRA FACADE MODEL PLAQUE polychromed stucco plaque 11 x 7 inches (28 x 17.8 cm.) framed: 17-1/2 X 13-1/2...
Category

1920s Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Gesso

"Alhambra Facade Model Plaque", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque

"Alhambra Facade Model Plaque", Early 20th Century Polychromed Stucco Plaque, Circa 1925

$3,594

More Ways To Browse

Alhambra Furniture
Plaster Relief Panel
Mosaic Window
Plaster Cast Relief
Dado Design
Spanish Mosaic Tiles
Starburst Band
Top Hat Box
Vintage 2 Door Metal Cabinet
Vintage Floral Chest Of Drawers
Vintage Liquor
Vintage Wall Plaques
1900s Stained Glass
Antique Fish Bowl
Antique French Girandoles
Antique Hourglass
Antique Silver Bed
Antique Tobacco Jars
View All Popular Decorative Art Searches