[Courtyard of the Lions, Alhambra, Granada] 1880s - 1890s

This photograph of the Courtyard of the Lions in Granada’s Alhambra was created by Señan y Gonzalez. The Alhambra, originally built in the 9th century, stands as a testament to the complex interplay of cultural and political forces that have shaped Spain. This image, captured through the relatively new technology of photography, frames the Alhambra during a period of profound social and political change. The Alhambra, a symbol of Moorish Al-Andalus, was of interest to those who sought to define Spanish national identity. Señan y Gonzalez’s photograph highlights the exquisite details of Islamic architecture and design. The image also provokes questions about cultural appropriation and representation. Who gets to tell the story of this place? The photograph offers a lens through which we can reflect on the power dynamics inherent in cultural heritage and the ways in which the past is continually reinterpreted through the present. The visual serenity of the courtyard belies a complex history of conquest, cultural exchange, and shifting identities.