Marquise’s Desk
The following spacious room is a private area reserved for the marchioness, known as the Marchioness’s Study.
Architecture and Decoration
Rectangular in shape, it is covered by an elaborate coffered ceiling made of wood and decorated with Mudéjar-style lacework motifs, such as eight-pointed stars. Hanging from its center is an exceptional, uniquely designed lamp made of 17th-century wrought iron, featuring the famous mottos of the House of Saavedra: “To suffer in order to live” and “Blessed are those who fought for the faith.”
The window overlooks the spacious and flower-filled Patio de los Naranjos, which provides great brightness to the room. On either side of the window are portraits of Isabel de Borbón from the 17th century, attributed to the Velázquez school.
Tapestries and Furniture
On the side wall hangs a large 16th-century Flemish tapestry depicting “Alexander the Great offering a sacrifice at the altar of fire,” which is not surprising, given his well-known ethical and tolerant image in the Netherlands of that era.
On the opposite wall stands out the marchioness’s writing desk, along with various pieces of furniture and items intended for that purpose, including a 17th-century tapestry with a heraldic theme. There is also a Spanish Baroque table with stretchers, whose tabletop features tortoiseshell and ivory decoration with miniature scenes from the life of Christ.
The Fireplace and Louis XIV Armchair
At the back of the Marchioness’s Study stands a beautiful fireplace made of white plasterwork, where friezes, garlands, and scallop shells give it a markedly classical character that, however, harmonizes well with the rest of the room. In the center of the composition, surrounded by garlands, is the coat of arms of the Saavedra family.
Next to the fireplace is an exceptional 18th-century Louis XIV armchair, with a high, straight back. The chair features a curved H-shaped stretcher connecting the four legs for reinforcement. The upholstery, both on the back and the seat, is made in petit point and decorated with vegetal and floral motifs.
Visit the Marchioness’s Study
If you’re wondering what to do in Córdoba, we recommend visiting the Palacio de Viana by booking one of our guided tours. There, we will dedicate a special section to the Marchioness’s Study. Choose quality tourism with qualified personnel—no doubt, ArtenCórdoba is the best option.
Text: J.A.S.C.
The Marchioness's Study was a private room reserved for the personal use of the marchioness, where she engaged in intellectual activities and writing, surrounded by a refined decorative environment.
The ceiling of the Marchioness's Study is covered by an elaborate wooden coffered ceiling with Mudejar lacería decoration, including eight-pointed stars, which add an artistic and symbolic character to the room.
Next to the window, which opens to the bright Orange Tree Courtyard, there are two 17th-century portraits attributed to the Velazquez school, depicting Isabel de Borbón.
The furniture includes notable pieces such as a Spanish Baroque table decorated with tortoiseshell and ivory, as well as the marchioness's personal desk and various writing utensils, reflecting the refined taste of the nobility.
Next to the classicist fireplace of white plasterwork stands an 18th-century Louis XIV armchair, with petit point upholstery and floral motifs, as well as the family crest of the Saavedra integrated into the decoration.
Table of contents
Popular visits
Guided Tour Mosque of Cordoba
From:
Guided Tour to Medina Azahara
From:
Guided Tour to the Alcazar of Cordoba
From:
