Conde de Cabra. Sr. Garro 1880 - 1885

Santiago Rusiñol rendered this pencil drawing titled 'Conde de Cabra. Sr. Garro’. This sketch of a man in historical garb gives us a glimpse into early 20th-century Catalan culture, which was characterized by a revival of interest in its own history. The figure’s attire—a feathered helmet and belted tunic—harks back to the medieval period, a time often romanticized in nationalist narratives. Rusiñol was an active participant in the 'Modernisme' movement, which sought to redefine Catalan identity through art and literature. Works like this, though seemingly simple, tapped into a broader cultural project of reclaiming and reimagining the past. It may be useful to research how the cultural and political elite supported this drive to revisit the middle ages. Understanding the social forces at play during Rusiñol's time offers a deeper appreciation of his work. By engaging with historical texts, political records, and cultural criticism, we can unearth the complex layers of meaning embedded in what might otherwise appear to be a straightforward portrait.