This artwork depicts Abd al-Rahman I emerging from the Euphrates. Soaked, hunted, one of the last surviving members of the Umayyad dynasty, beginning the journey that would take him to the other end of the known world.
In 750 CE the Abbasid revolution destroyed the Umayyad caliphate. Almost every member of the royal family was killed. Abd al-Rahman escaped, crossed the Euphrates, evaded pursuit through North Africa, and eventually crossed into Iberia with nothing but his lineage and his nerve. Within three years he had seized Cordoba. Within decades he had built an independent emirate that would become, under his descendants, one of the most sophisticated states in the world.
He never saw his homeland again. He planted a palm tree in the gardens of Cordoba and wrote a poem to it. He ruled for thirty-two years. He is called al-Dakhil. The Entrant.
Every artwork in the Riwayah collection is available in four premium display formats, crafted to suit every home and interior style. Our canvas prints offer a rich, textured finish that brings depth and character to each piece, stretched on FSC-certified wooden bars for a refined gallery feel. For a minimalist and versatile look, our magnetic hangers use durable pine wood to hold your print securely without marking it, making it easy to change artwork whenever you like. Those seeking a classic, museum-style presentation can choose our premium wooden frames, crafted from responsibly sourced oak or ash with visible natural grain and protected with shatterproof plexiglass. And for a sleek, contemporary finish, our aluminium frames pair clean black metal with heavyweight matte paper for a polished, modern aesthetic. All prints use FSC-certified paper and high-quality inks, arrive ready to hang or assemble, and are produced on demand in the UK to reduce waste and ensure the highest standard of craftsmanship.
