This artwork shows Tariq ibn Ziyad on the cliff above the Andalusian shore, addressing his soldiers as the fleet that carried them burns behind him.
In 711 CE Tariq ibn Ziyad crossed from North Africa into Iberia with a force of around seven thousand men. The Visigothic kingdom that controlled the peninsula had been there for three centuries. Within seven years it was gone. Tariq's crossing opened eight centuries of Islamic civilisation in Iberia, al-Andalus, one of the most remarkable experiments in multicultural governance the medieval world produced.
The speech he allegedly gave before the crossing, burn the boats, there is no return, may be legendary. The crossing was not. The rock at the southern tip of Spain is still called Jabal Tariq. Gibraltar.
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.
