Casbah Guard in Tetouan c. 1861

Mariano Fortuny Marsal created this evocative etching, Casbah Guard in Tetouan. The scene captures guards on horseback, evoking a sense of watchfulness, while the arcaded architecture behind them speaks of enclosure and tradition. Notice how the arch, a symbol found across cultures, frames and contains the figures, echoing the protective role of the guards themselves. This motif of the guard, a figure of vigilance and authority, appears throughout history. Consider the stoic Roman sentinels or the watchful figures in Renaissance paintings. The psychological weight of such images is undeniable. The collective memory of protection and control is deeply embedded in our subconscious, shaping our response to these figures. The guard embodies not just physical security, but also the psychological assurance of order and safety. Ultimately, this symbol of the vigilant guard, recurs across time, a testament to the enduring human need for security, constantly re-emerging and adapting in response to society’s changing anxieties and needs.