Interior arch of the Great Mosque of Córdoba
The Great Mosque at Córdoba was enlarged or altered in six major episodes between the 8th and 16th centuries, and the building bears testimony to many of these changes. This drawing depicts an arch that once formed part of the exterior wall of al-Hakam II’s extension (962-66) that became encased within Al Mansur’s extension of 991-94, preserving the tiled and carved surface from the elements. The zigzag patterns in terracotta mosaic contrast with the curvilinear carved decoration to make an interesting, varied design.