Baked clay has always been part of the history and culture of Andalusia. Today we want to pay tribute to Andalusian tiles, a fundamental piece in construction. Inspired by Muslim tradition, Andalusian tiles are one of the most deeply rooted emblems of the cultural heritage of Andalusia . They constitute a sign of identity of the art and architecture of the region present in monumental and historical buildings such as the Alhambra in Granada. But they are also easily found in homes or private premises. Even if these are not old, modern and current reproductions of Andalusian tiles are used as a decorative element. These glazed clay tiles cover walls and pavements that tell the story of the numerous civilizations that used them , using ancestral techniques still present in artistic and craft production. With mud, fire and the work of hands modeling and painting each piece, just as it was done thousands of years ago, combining aesthetics and functionality ; keeping the culture alive. The origin of Andalusian tiles The most remote appearance of tiles recorded to date is found in Mesopotamia , in the Near East area, where archaeological excavations continue to provide information about these ancestral peoples capable of explaining, still in the 21st century, who we are.
Today we know that in this region slabs of baked earth were used to pave and decorate their architectural constructions. The clay tile arrived in Europe through al-Andalus, in the year 711, where these pieces reached their maximum splendor in monumental constructions such as the aforementioned Alhambra, the Caliphate of Córdoba or the Alcázar of Seville, where it is easy to come across Nasrid mosaics . However, there is also evidence of its use, already at that time, in domestic paving systems , replacing the mosaic pavement used by the Romans. This pottery tradition was maintained in Christian Spain, mixing Afghanistan Phone Number List with other cultural currents and giving rise to numerous variations, being representative of Mudejar art . The use of fired clay in this artistic period was a constant, both in sublime interiors and in attractive exteriors. Evolution: from less to more to start over The tile making technique has been used for so long that it has received numerous influences, allowing it to coexist with the innovations of each era. For example, in the 15th century, just when the Catholic Monarchs put an end to the Reconquista, important changes occurred in architecture and art, influenced by Italian Romanticism. The tiles were reinterpreted through the majolica technique , characterized by an elaborate polychrome decoration based on the representation of foliage, people, animals, etc. The geometric mosaic gave way to figurative art and the clay tiles became true canvases.
Two centuries later, the Baroque introduced other themes in the tile: hunting, war, mythological or religious scenes, etc. Little remained of the Arab trace in the aesthetics, despite the fact that the artisanal production of the tile was the same. At this point, tiles were used regularly throughout Europe and in each country they acquired their own representation . They reached their peak in the 18th century, especially in Portugal, where practically the entire country was covered with ornate ceramic tiles. Then the Rococo style appeared, a new decorative twist; the last sprint of overloaded and excessive decoration. In the 19th century, the neoclassical style emerged: the panels and mosaics were simplified and attention was focused on color. At the end of the century, French modernism reactivated architectural ceramics in much of Europe. Facades of houses, shops and restaurants are decorated with decorative tiles: borders, friezes, entire walls. Our version of Andalusian tiles Currently there is no general line that defines a style. Or rather, all the lines define it.