Barcelona 1900

More about the book

Barcelona, renowned for its contemporary art and architecture, experienced a remarkable creative surge at the dawn of the twentieth century, earning the moniker "rose of fire." Key figures like civil engineer Ildefonso Cerdà and architects Antoni Gaudí and Lluís Domènech played pivotal roles in transforming the city. Amidst this evolution, modernist artists such as Pablo Picasso, Isidre Nonell, and Ramon Casas created works driven by political and humanitarian themes. The narrative captures the artistic, cultural, social, and political history of Barcelona during this critical period. With over 192 illustrations—including paintings, sculptures, and applied art—the book highlights the emergence of the modern city, Art Nouveau, and modernism, set against a backdrop of social conflict, middle-class life, the anarchist movement, and anticlerical sentiments. Thematic chapters delve into the city's artistic renaissance, showcasing works by Picasso, Casas, and Santiago Rusiñol, as well as Art Nouveau jewelry by Lluís Masriera and architecture by Gaudí and Domènech. Accompanied by historical and contemporary photographs, this book serves as a catalog for a landmark exhibition organized by the Van Gogh Museum, inviting readers to explore iconic locations like Las Ramblas, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Parc Güell.