Gezicht op de fontein van Apollo aan de Passeo del Prado in Madrid 1857 - 1880

This is a photograph of the Fountain of Apollo on the Paseo del Prado in Madrid, captured by Juan Laurent sometime in the mid-19th century. Laurent, a Frenchman working in Spain, documented the country during a period of transformation. The photograph offers a glimpse into the urban landscape and societal values of the time. The fountain, a symbol of classical ideals and royal power, stands prominently in the manicured public space, reflecting the aspirations of the Spanish monarchy. The Paseo del Prado itself was a space for leisure and display for the upper classes. Consider the perspective: Laurent, as an outsider, was capturing and framing Spanish identity for both local consumption and a broader European audience. What stories are told and which are left out? What does it mean to frame this public space with its ancient god for the modern era? This image encapsulates a moment in Spain's history, bridging tradition and modernity.