Plaza Mayor te Madrid 1694 - 1737

This print of the Plaza Mayor in Madrid was made by Pieter van den Berge around the turn of the 18th century. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the public square, conveying the order and bustle of urban life. This image offers insight into the ambitions of the Spanish monarchy and the place of civic space in the life of the city. The Plaza Mayor, which translates as Greater Square, was the center of the capital. Here, the monarchy staged public spectacles and events, projecting its power over the population. But it was also a site of commerce and everyday interactions. The architecture of the square, paid for by the monarchy, reflected the projection of royal power. To better understand this work, we can look at architectural plans and the history of royal patronage in Spain, revealing the complex relationship between the monarchy, the city, and its people.