Gezicht op de ingang van Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona before 1890

Here you can see an old photograph titled "Gezicht op de ingang van Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona" by Hauser y Menet. While the exact date is unknown, this image captures a moment steeped in the socio-political landscape of Barcelona. The Parc de la Ciutadella was originally built on the site of a military citadel, a symbol of repressive power. Transforming it into a public park was a deliberate act of reclaiming space for the people. The photograph encapsulates a transition, as citizens stroll casually past the imposing entrance, suggesting a negotiation of power, class, and identity. Who was allowed to enter this space, and how did their presence redefine its meaning? Notice the statues that top the gates, likely representing idealized figures. Consider the narratives they embody and whose stories remain untold. The emotional weight of this image lies in its quiet observation of a city grappling with its past while stepping into a new era.