Gezicht op de Font de la cascada in het Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona before 1890

Editor: Here we have a print titled "Gezicht op de Font de la cascada in het Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona," created by Hauser y Menet before 1890. It seems to be a mixed-media work, combining photography with elements like colored pencil. What catches my eye is the classical grandeur of the fountain set against the park landscape. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, this image speaks volumes about the period’s urban development and the burgeoning tourist industry. Barcelona was transforming itself in the late 19th century, embracing modernity while crafting public spaces for leisure and spectacle. Photography like this served a crucial role, documenting and promoting these new urban landscapes. Notice how the "pictorialism" style softens the reality, romanticizing the park for potential visitors. How do you think images like this contributed to Barcelona's image-building on the world stage? Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't considered it as a form of city promotion. The artistry almost masks the promotional intent. Did the public perceive these images as art or advertising back then? Curator: That’s a fascinating question. The line was often blurred. The rise of illustrated magazines and travel brochures meant these images circulated widely, shaping public perceptions, but also influencing artistic trends. These images fed a growing desire for an experience or a taste of a faraway land, fueling consumer culture and even the collecting of fine art. Is it starting to feel more impactful in our current context? Editor: Absolutely. It’s amazing how much information is packed into this seemingly simple photograph. I definitely appreciate the way it blurs lines between art, propaganda, and urban development now. Curator: Exactly! By understanding the cultural and historical context, we can unpack how an image of a fountain in a park played a vital role in constructing the identity of a city and even fuelling the social trends.