Four Nasrid carved marble columns and capitals, Andalusia, Spain, circa 15th century

comprising four monumental marble columns each topped by a capital of cylindrical form carved to square section with large scroll ornaments and petalled details, each on a square base 

Purchased by Arthur Byne on behalf of William Randolph Hearst
Sent to Hearst Castle, June 1935  

Man Came This Way: Objects from the Phil Berg Collection, by Phil Berg, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, March 9 - May 30, 1971.

Weathered surfaces as consistent with age and use, the four columns each in three sections, the base, column and capital, two are complete and two are broken at near midpoint on the shaft, some of metal rods joining the sections are slightly damaged, some concrete for fixing in bases still around two bases, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present four columns are expressions not only of the aesthetics of their time, but also of a specific collector's taste, that of William Randolph Hearst. These originally came from a castle in Navarre and were purchased by the dealer Arthur Byne for Hearst, who had them sent to Hearst Castle at San Simeon in June 1935. They were subsequently exhibited at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s exhibition: Man came this way: Objects from The Phil Berg Collection from 9 March to 30 May 1971 (illustrated here).

Notable are the capitals crowning these columns which can be linked to a group associated with the city of Seville in the late-Islamic period. The Casa de Pilatos, a grand Sevillian palace begun at the end of the 15th century, incorporates in its early 16th-century courtyard capitals of the same basic form. In addition, identical loose capitals are found in the gardens of the Alcazar in Seville, suggesting re-use from an earlier building.

Bearing testimony to the enduring power of Nasrid carved masonry, the present capitals display a precision of form evolved over centuries evincing a stylisation of classical shapes, rhythmic patterning and naturalistic details.

A capital of related form, attributed to Seville, 15^th century, was offered in these rooms, 28 April 2004, lot 66.