This artwork portrays ‘Abd al Rahman I emerging from the waters of the Euphrates during his escape from the Abbasid Revolution, one of the most dramatic moments in early Islamic history. The image of him rising from the river captures the turning point in his life, when he crossed from a world of sudden devastation into the uncertain possibility of survival. With the Abbasids pursuing him and most of his family killed, the young prince swam across the Euphrates under threat of death, leaving behind everything he knew. The artwork reflects this moment of rupture and rebirth, when the future founder of al Andalus stepped out of the river with nothing but his determination, his lineage and his will to endure.
Historically, the Euphrates crossing is one of the most documented episodes in the life of ‘Abd al Rahman. In 750, after the fall of the Umayyads in Damascus, he fled with a few loyal companions. Abbasid forces caught up to him on the riverbank and demanded that he return. Realising that surrender meant certain death, he plunged into the river and swam across despite arrows and shouts behind him. That decision saved his life. From there he journeyed through Palestine, Egypt and North Africa, often in disguise, often in grave danger. Years later he reached the Iberian Peninsula, where he gathered supporters, crossed into al Andalus and established himself as the first Umayyad ruler of Cordoba.
His rise from the Euphrates symbolised more than personal survival. It marked the beginning of a new political and cultural chapter for Iberia. Under his leadership, al Andalus stabilised after years of conflict. Agriculture expanded, cities grew, fortifications were strengthened and artistic and intellectual life began to flourish. His rule laid the foundations for a dynasty that would later produce one of the most sophisticated civilisations of the medieval world. The Abbasid caliph al Mansur famously called him the Falcon of Quraysh, acknowledging the rare combination of courage, resilience and strategic genius that allowed him to build a kingdom after losing a dynasty.
Displayed in a modern interior, this artwork becomes a tribute to a moment in which a man stepped out of catastrophe and reshaped history. It captures the strength required to rebuild from exile and the idea that new worlds often begin at the edge of adversity. The scene of rising from the river is a reminder of endurance, resourcefulness and the human capacity to turn survival into civilisation.
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.
