Gezicht op de Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid c. 1888 - 1898

Hauser y Menet made this photograph of the Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid. This image captures more than just a monument; it reflects the soul of a city grappling with identity and change. Built under Charles III, the Puerta de Alcalá was intended to showcase Madrid's enlightened monarchy, but here, its portrayal by Hauser y Menet invites us to consider the relationship between power, representation, and the everyday lives of its citizens. The figures in the foreground, seemingly caught in motion, embody the diverse social fabric of Madrid. Their presence questions who belongs in the narrative of national identity. This photograph also offers a dialogue between tradition and modernity, hinting at the tensions inherent in a society on the brink of transformation. Ultimately, this photograph serves as a poignant reminder of how our shared spaces hold the echoes of countless stories, each contributing to the ever-evolving narrative of who we are.