Review of: Olga Bush, Reframing the Alhambra: Architecture, Poetry, Textiles and Court Ceremonial (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2018), The Art Bulletin 100, no. 4 (December, 2018): 106-108. (original) (raw)

Olga Bush's "Reframing the Alhambra" is a comprehensive study that examines the architectural and cultural significance of the Alhambra, exploring themes of optics, poetry, and textiles within its ceremonial context. The book critiques established narratives surrounding the site, addressing the impacts of historical transformations from the Islamic period to Christian conquest, while emphasizing the need for holistic understandings of spatiality and multisensory experiences. Although the work presents a rich analysis, it recognizes limitations in its focus, notably overlooking the roles of smell and taste in the overall experience of the Alhambra.