This artwork portrays Tariq ibn Ziyad standing on a cliff above the Andalusian shore, addressing his soldiers while the fleet that carried them burns behind him. The moment is one of the most famous and consequential in the history of the Islamic world. Tariq ordered the ships to be set alight immediately after landing in 711, ensuring that his army understood the full reality of their mission. There would be no retreat, no turning back and no path to safety except through victory. The artwork captures the atmosphere of absolute resolve, with flames rising at his back and the commander standing firm before a future that was uncertain yet destined to reshape civilisation.
Historically, the burning of the ships is recorded in early Arabic sources and became the defining symbol of Tariq’s campaign. His army was small compared to the Visigothic forces that awaited them inland. Many of his soldiers were unfamiliar with Iberia, and their landing placed them hundreds of miles from support. By destroying the fleet, Tariq removed the possibility of fear or hesitation. His speech, preserved in multiple chronicles, reminded the troops that paradise lay before them and the sea lay behind them. He told them that honour would be won only through discipline, trust and unity. This act of deliberate commitment transformed a precarious expedition into a world changing moment. Within months, his forces defeated King Roderic, opened the way to Cordoba and Toledo and laid the foundations for al Andalus, a civilisation that would bring advances in science, architecture, philosophy, agriculture and law to Europe.
The relevance of this moment reaches far beyond its military outcome. Tariq’s decision to burn the ships has become a universal metaphor for decisive leadership. It represents the courage required to commit fully to a righteous goal, even when circumstances are uncertain or daunting. In a world often shaped by hesitation, compromise and fear of loss, Tariq’s act stands as a reminder that progress sometimes requires removing the escape routes that allow retreat into comfort or doubt. His clarity of purpose is cited today in leadership discussions, strategic studies and personal development philosophies. The image of a man stepping onto a new shore and cutting off his own retreat resonates across cultures as an example of integrity, conviction and faith in a greater purpose.
Displayed in a modern home or workspace, this artwork becomes a powerful meditation on courage. It invites the viewer to reflect on the thresholds in their own life, on moments that require strength, and on the confidence needed to make decisions that define the future. Tariq’s burning of the ships was not an act of desperation but of belief. It was a declaration that history favours those who act with principle, trust and resolve.
Every artwork in this collection is available in four thoughtfully selected display formats, designed to complement a wide range of interiors while maintaining a consistent standard of quality and finish.
Our framed canvas prints offer a subtle, tactile texture that adds depth and presence to each piece, professionally stretched over FSC certified wooden bars for a clean, gallery-ready presentation. For a lighter and more flexible option, our museum-quality paper posters can be paired with magnetic wooden hangers crafted from smooth pine, allowing the artwork to be displayed or changed with ease while remaining securely held.
For a more traditional presentation, our premium wooden frames are made from responsibly sourced oak or ash, chosen for their natural grain and durability, and finished with shatterproof plexiglass for long-term protection. Those seeking a contemporary look can opt for our aluminium frames, combining slim black metal with heavyweight matte paper for a crisp, understated finish.
All prints are produced using high-quality, archival-grade inks on FSC certified papers. Each piece is made individually to order, helping minimise unnecessary waste while ensuring careful attention to quality and consistency. Your artwork arrives ready to hang or assemble, crafted to be enjoyed for years to come.
