As seen in the exhibit, Matisse demonstrated a significant degree of architectural interest in H. Matisse par lui-même. Particular attention is paid to the spherical dome of the tomb and the surrounding crenellation. The arched entryway also receives recognition. This arch, known as a cusped-pointed arch, is part of Morocco’s dominant architectural tradition, Hispano-Moorish. In his book on Moroccan monuments, Richard Parker gives credit to Tunisian artisans in the development of Morocco’s architecture, but emphasizes, “The most dramatic and direct impact on Morocco, however, obviously came from Muslim Spain” (Parker, 14) The arch that Matisse depicts is in the Cordovan style. This style originated under the Umayyad Caliphate at Cordoba in the eighth century. It is important to note that the Cordovan technique was essentially limited to Spain, and did not truly have an impact on Morocco until centuries later.
It was not until the Almoravid conquest of Spain in the eleventh century that Hispano-Moorish ideas crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, for the Almoravids had already conquered Morocco before entering the Iberian Peninsula. Having gained control of Spain, the Almoravids sent artisans back to Morocco, where they introduced the cusped and horseshoe arches to Moroccan structures. Not many Almoravid structures survive today, but the Qubba (pictured left), or “cupola,” in Marrakesh remains one pristine example. Much of Islamic architecture in general is simple on the exterior, yet remarkably intricate on the interior. Matisse, unable to gain entry to Tangier’s tombs, did not depict what was likely a highly decorated structure on the inside. Marrakesh’s Qubba (pictured below) surely differed from the marabout tomb, but the underside of its dome can give some idea of what could be expected inside the tomb. 
The Almoravid style was especially concerned with detail, and their décor consists mainly of highly stylized geometric and floral patters.
Andalusian-influenced architecture continued to flourish under the Almohad Dynasty which replaced the Almoravids in Morocco in the mid twelfth century. The Almohad ruler Yaqub al Mansur oversaw construction of some of the finest Hispano-Moorish structures of the dynasty, including Marrakesh’s Kutubiya mosque (pictured right).
Almohad décor is characterized as as a broader and smoother simplification of lavish and intricate Almoravid architecture.
The final formative period for Moroccan architecture ended in the early fifteenth century with the fall of the Merinids, who had usurped the Almohads. Their style incorporated various elements from the Almoravid and Almohad traditions. The Merinid style is most noticeable by its décor couvrant, or decoration which entirely covers the surface of a structure. An excellent example of this can be seen at the Bou Inania medersa, or religious school, at Fes (pictured below).
Information and Pictures for this Gallery Section from:
Parker, Richard. A practical guide to Islamic Monuments in Morocco. Charlottesville, Virginia: The Baraka Press, 1981.