David Mercadé Recasens — Columbus Monument in Barcelona — Circa 1960 — Watercolor on paper

Original watercolor on paper signed by David Mercadé Recasens (1900–1970), depicting the Columbus Monument in Barcelona, located at the Portal de la Pau square, at the beginning of La Rambla.

The composition adopts a vertical format, particularly well-suited to highlighting the monumentality of the column, which is crowned by the figure of Christopher Columbus. The structure rises above a sculptural pedestal, while small figures, vehicles, and a tram appear around it, evoking the urban atmosphere of mid-20th-century Barcelona.

To the left, several palm trees introduce a marked vegetal counterpoint to the verticality of the monument. In the background, the elevation of Montjuïc is visible, rendered in grayish, ocher, and bluish tones.

The artist combines agile, precise drawing in the architectural elements with soft washes in the sky and distant landscape. The green touches of the palm trees and the reddish notes of the vehicles add vitality to the scene.

Beyond its artistic interest, the watercolor possesses an attractive documentary value as a representation of one of the most recognizable spaces in 20th-century Barcelona.

Technical Sheet

• Author: David Mercadé Recasens (Barcelona, 1900–1970).

• Descriptive title: Columbus Monument, Barcelona.

• Period: Mid-20th century, probably around 1960.

• Technique: Watercolor on paper.

• Dimensions: 40 × 16 cm, vertical format.

• Signature: Lower right corner.

• Condition: Paper shows signs of age, slight aging of tone, and small, scattered chromatic alterations.

Workshop Note

A view of Barcelona of particular interest for its combination of monumental architecture and daily life. The presence of the tram, vehicles, and pedestrians places the work in the urban environment of the mid-20th century, while the vertical composition enhances the elegance and height of the Columbus column.