Gezicht op het Escorial nabij San Lorenzo de El Escorial 1856 - 1863

Juan Laurent produced this albumen print of the Escorial, near San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain, during the 19th century. The Escorial, a vast complex including a monastery, royal palace, and library, served as a powerful symbol of the Spanish monarchy and the Catholic Church. Laurent's photograph is interesting because of its seemingly neutral perspective, yet it subtly reinforces the Escorial's imposing presence. Consider the social and political context in which it was made: Spain was undergoing significant changes, including the decline of its empire and internal political struggles. As a tool for documentation, photography helped preserve images of national monuments. The history of photography is intertwined with that of tourism and cultural preservation. The image, therefore, is not just a record, but a statement about Spanish identity and heritage. By studying photographs like these, along with other historical materials, we can better understand how national identity is constructed.