Eixample

This 12-metre-high monument, dedicated to Dr Robert, can be seen in the centre of the Plaça Tetuan, in Barcelona’s Eixample district. The sculpture pays tribute to the man who was mayor of Barcelona at the close of the 19th century. A monument paid for by the people of Barcelona which was relocated to this square in 1985.

Designed by Domènech i Montaner and created by Josep Llimona, the sculpture of Dr Robert in the Plaça Tetuan in Barcelona’s Eixample district, is a powerful symbol of the people, as it was paid for by public subscription by the local community who were extremely grateful to the physician for the work he had done. Dr Robert was an altruist who made great efforts in the fight against cholera and yellow fever. The monument also represents the reinstatement of democracy and freedom in Catalonia.

The monument was originally placed in the Plaça Universitat in 1904, but it was dismantled by the Franco regime and taken to a warehouse on Carrer Wellington. Perhaps this is why its rededication was celebrated with particular jubilation by the people of Barcelona. On 11th May 1984, Barcelona decided to relocate, in a public space, some of the monuments that the dictatorship had wanted to keep hidden. As the years have gone by, we have become accustomed to this solemn sculpture, made from artificial stone, bronze and limestone. A tribute to the man who, as well as being a doctor, was the president of the Regionalist League and mayor of Barcelona at the end of the 19th century. A politician who is depicted at the top of the ensemble surrounded by other figures: they are allegories to the arts and crafts, and the Catalan national movement.