Gezicht op het Alhambra te Granada before 1841

Friedrich Salathé created this print of the Alhambra in Granada at a time when Romanticism and Orientalism were influencing European art. The print presents a panoramic view of the Alhambra, a palace and fortress complex with a rich history rooted in Moorish Spain. Salathé, like many artists of his time, was captivated by the exoticism of the East, and the Alhambra symbolized this allure. This fascination often came hand in hand with the orientalist fantasy of cultural and racial difference. How might the romantic interpretation of the Alhambra reflect the complex interplay between Europe and the Arab world? The picturesque quality in Salathé’s print invites the viewer to consider the historical and cultural narratives embedded within the architecture. Reflecting on this image, it becomes clear that the Alhambra is not just a building, but a testament to cultural exchange, conflict, and the enduring power of identity.