Reconstructing the Alhambra: Rafael Contreras and Architectural Models of the Alhambra in the Nineteenth Century

Rafael Contreras, head restorer of the Alhambra from 1847 to 1889, played a pivotal role in shaping the palace's modern appearance by introducing an 'Oriental' aesthetic. His restoration efforts were paralleled by a thriving business selling architectural models and plaster casts, reviving ancient Nasrid techniques while innovating new ones. These objects, marketed as souvenirs, particularly to British tourists, disseminated Contreras' vision of the Alhambra globally. The study highlights his dual role in conservation and commercialization, illustrating how restoration practices intertwined with tourism during the 19th century.

González Pérez, A. (2017). Reconstructing the Alhambra: Rafael Contreras and Architectural Models of the Alhambra in the Nineteenth Century. Art in Translation, 9(1), 29–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/17561310.2017.1297041