Albert Calvert

Albert Frederick Calvert was an author, traveller and mining engineer. He was born in 1872 in England.
Albert had a colorful life (to say the least!). He led expeditions in Australia where he became a managing director of gold mines. A bankruptcy caused by gambling in 1898 made him move to Spain.
He loved Spain and authored many works about Spain and Spanish art. He even became a Spanish knight!
In 1923, a sister of the late Czar of Russia accused him of conspiracy to con her out of her jewels. She won substantial damages.
Calvert was the author of one of the most important studies of the Alhambra, a stunning palace fortress in Granada, Spain.
The Berber king Badis ben Habus built the Alhambra in the 11th century. It's theme was "paradise on earth". It's famous for elaborate columns, arcades, fountains, mirror pools and ornate painted tiles. The decorations have inspired many designers and artists e.g. Escher. They often contained Arabic inscriptions in sacred geometrical patterns. It is now one of Spain's major tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here are some of Calvert's lithographs of the Alhamvra for you to choose from. They are genuine antiques from 1904