Chapter I: Preface

In preparing these volumes, it has been my aim to give a clear and fairly complete account of the arts and crafts of older Spain. It seems to me that there is room for a work of this design and scope, and that there is no reason why so attractive a subject--or rather, group of subjects--should be perpetually ignored by persons who travel through, or who profess to feel an interest in, the country of the Cid and of Don Quixote.

My account of Spanish pottery is guarded, and yet I trust acceptable. The study of this craft in Spain is far from definite, and fresh researches and discoveries may be hoped for at some future time. The history of Spanish arms has also suffered from unjust neglect. Perhaps my sketch of them may slightly compensate for this deficiency. For the rest, my book, which represents the well-meant assiduity of several years, shall speak for itself. Although I was embarrassed by too much material, the illustrations have been chosen with great care, and not, I think, inadequately. Some of the photographs were taken specially for this work. For the loan of others, or for kind assistance generally, I am indebted to Excmo. Señor Don Guillermo J. de Osma, Excmo. Señor Don José Villegas, and Excmo. Señor Don José Moreno Carbonero; to Señores Góngora and Valladar, of Granada; and to Messrs Hauser and Menet, and Mons. Lacoste, of Madrid.

_August_, 1907.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME ONE

PAGES

GOLD, SILVER, AND JEWEL WORK 1-119

IRON-WORK 120-159

BRONZES 160-191

ARMS 192-289

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

_VOLUME ONE_

GOLD AND SILVER

PLATE PAGE

_Reja_ of the Choir; Seville Cathedral _Frontispiece_

I. Treasure of Guarrazar; Royal Armoury, Madrid 22

II. The Cross of Angels; Oviedo Cathedral 36

III. The Cross of Victory; Oviedo Cathedral 43

IV. Moorish Casket; Gerona Cathedral 46

V. Altar-Front in enamelled Bronze; Museum of Burgos 50

VI. "The Crucifix of the Cid"; Salamanca Cathedral 52

VII. The "Virgen de la Vega"; San Esteban, Salamanca 54

VIII. Saint James in Pilgrim's Dress; Santiago Cathedral 57

IX. Mudejar Triptych; Royal Academy of History, Madrid 60

X. The "Tablas Alfonsinas"; Seville Cathedral 62

XI. "The Cup of Saint Ferdinand"; Seville Cathedral 64

XII. Ship; Zaragoza Cathedral 65

XIII. Moorish Bracelets 77

XIV. Morisco Jewellery 83

XV. Silver-Gilt Processional Cross 85

XVI. Gothic _Custodia_ 95

XVII. The _Custodia_ of Seville Cathedral 100

XVIII. Early Chalice and Cross in Filigree Gold 114

IRON-WORK

XIX. Old Keys; Seville Cathedral 131

XIXA. Decorative Nail-Heads; Convent of San Antonio, Toledo 134

XX. Door-Knockers 136

XXI. Ceremonial Maces and Lantern 138

XXII. Iron Pulpit; Avila Cathedral 140

XXIII. _Reja_ of Chapel Royal; Granada Cathedral 148

XXIV. The same (View from Interior) 149

XXV. _Reja_; Casa de Pilatos, Seville 155

XXVI. _Reja_ of the "Casa de las Conchas," Salamanca 156

BRONZES

XXVII. "Meleager's Hunt" 164