MOSAIC, SOUTH SIDE OF THE COURT OF THE LIONS.
The Court of the Lions, takes its name from the fountain in the centre supported by twelve sculptured lions. The Court is a parallelogram of 100 feet by 50 feet, and is surrounded by a portico, with small pavilions at either end. The portico and pavilions consist of 128 columns, supporting arches of the most delicate and elaborate construction, which still retain much of their original beauty. The irregularity in the arrangement of the
FOUNTAIN AND EAST TEMPLE IN THE COURT OF THE LIONS.
columns, which are placed sometimes singly, and sometimes in pairs, does not detract from the general harmony; but, on the contrary, a charming effect is produced by this capricious departure from uniformity. The capitals, though similar in outline, offer a great variety in their foliage; and though the same design is more than once repeated in this Court, no attempt appears to have been made towards a symmetrical arrangement.
The ceiling of the portico is decorated in the most complex manner, the stucco being laid on with inimitable delicacy—it is so cunningly handled as to exceed belief.
The walls are covered, to a height of five feet, with tiles of blue and yellow chequy, with a border of small escutcheons enamelled blue and gold, bearing an Arabic motto on a Bend.
THE COURT OF THE LIONS.