Alfiz
Encyclopedia
The alfiz is an architectonic adornment, consisting of a moulding, usually a rectangular panel, which encloses the outward side of an arch. It is an islamic Arab architectonic ornament, but has appeared in non-Arab Spanish architecture since the 8th century.
It is frequent in the Islamic Hispanic art and mozarabic art (usually in connection with the horseshoe arch
). As the image illustrates, there are two alfiz variants:
The space between the arch and the alfiz is called enjuta or arrabá, usually richly decorated (iron-gray in the illustration). Each curved triangle is called albanega (spandrel
).
Horseshoe arch
The horseshoe arch, also called the Moorish arch and the Keyhole arch, is the emblematic arch of Islamic architecture. They were formerly constructed in Visigothic Spain. Horseshoe arches can take rounded, pointed or lobed form....
). As the image illustrates, there are two alfiz variants:
- A Alfiz starting from the impost.
- B Alfiz starting from the floor.
The space between the arch and the alfiz is called enjuta or arrabá, usually richly decorated (iron-gray in the illustration). Each curved triangle is called albanega (spandrel
Spandrel
A spandrel, less often spandril or splaundrel, is the space between two arches or between an arch and a rectangular enclosure....
).