Gevechten in de Calle del Coso te Zaragoza 1808 - 1814

Juan Galvez created this print, "Fights on Calle del Coso in Zaragoza," likely during or shortly after the Peninsular War in Spain. It depicts a moment of intense urban warfare, a street barricade under fire. The image creates meaning through stark contrasts. The solid architecture of the city forms a backdrop to the chaotic violence. The print likely commemorates the heroic resistance of the Spanish people against Napoleon's invading forces. It shows the impact of war on urban environments and civilian populations. Engravings like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and national identity at the time. These images were circulated widely, reinforcing a narrative of patriotic resistance. To understand the print better, we could research the history of Zaragoza during the Peninsular War, study other contemporary depictions of the conflict, and analyze the broader cultural and political context. The artwork’s meaning is dependent on historical context.