“A perspective on 1700”, in the Museu Frederic Marès

The Museu Frederic Marès is currently offering an insight into the 1714 era from an unusual perspective, namely, that of the art collection. In an exhibition entitled Una mirada al 1700 (A perspective on 1700), the museum’s own collection enters into dialog with a selection of etchings on loan from the Gelonch Viladegut collection which, in itself, consists of works by artists who have contributed to the history of etching from the 15th century to the present day.

Art collections, in this case, are precisely what have bequeathed us with a perspective of the socio-cultural context of the era in question. The collection of etchings on display portrays aspects of day-to-day life, images of power used as propaganda tools, religion, maps and illustrations of the Catalan territories of the 18th century. The siege of Barcelona of 1713-1714, for example, is represented through a series of etchings by Jacques Rigaud portraying the assault by the Bourbon troops.

The exhibition forms part of Barcelona’s tercentenary celebrations and is divided into five sections with a total of 31 etchings and 42 other objects including sculptures and other pieces of 18th century art. The dual nature of the exhibition, which combines pieces from the Gelonch Viladegut collection with the museum’s own collection, offers a unique insight into both the day-to-day life and the historical events of the era.

Una mirada al 1700 can be seen from the 16th of June to the 2nd of November. Entry is priced at 4.20 euros.