Portaal in de Catedral Nueva in Salamanca c. 1863 - 1883

Here you can see the “Portaal in de Catedral Nueva in Salamanca,” a photograph by Juan Laurent. Laurent, active in the mid-19th century, captured this image, which now resides in the Rijksmuseum. This photograph invites us to consider the social and cultural currents of 19th-century Spain through the lens of its architectural marvels. The Catedral Nueva, a symbol of religious and state power, is presented here with an emphasis on its intricate facade. Laurent’s choice to focus on such a subject speaks to the period’s fascination with national identity and historical grandeur. The image's detailed rendering highlights the craftsmanship embedded in the cathedral’s design, yet it also evokes questions about labor, class, and the socio-economic systems that enabled its construction. As we reflect on this image, we might consider how structures like the Catedral Nueva shaped and continue to shape collective memory and cultural identity.