#12104 Ramon Casas i Carbo (1866-1932)

The composition presents a landscape dominated by a warm, ochre palette, evoking a sense of sun-drenched terrain and potentially arid climate. A prominent feature is a substantial stone structure, likely a fortress or defensive wall, situated on a raised plateau overlooking a coastal vista. The architecture appears robust and utilitarian, suggesting functionality over elaborate ornamentation.
Below the fortification, a gently sloping expanse leads down to a body of water – the sea – which stretches towards a distant horizon punctuated by a small building, possibly a lighthouse or another structure associated with maritime activity. A sparse scattering of vegetation is visible on the plateau and along the coastline, contributing to an overall impression of ruggedness and natural austerity.
Superimposed upon this scene are several textual elements. Across the upper portion, COPA CATALUNYA is displayed in bold lettering, immediately establishing a connection to a competition or event associated with Catalonia. Further down, a stylized representation of a flag – likely the Catalan flag – is positioned alongside a schematic diagram labeled “CIRCUITO DEL BAJO PANADES.” This suggests that the landscape serves as the backdrop for a motor race or similar sporting activity.
The lower portion contains additional text: Carrera Internacional de Voitures Barcelona and Mayo 1908. These inscriptions pinpoint the event as an international automobile race held in Barcelona during May of 1908, further contextualizing the landscape within a specific historical moment. A tall flagpole rises from the plateau, drawing the eye upward and reinforcing the sense of national or regional pride associated with the depicted scene.
The subtexts embedded within this image revolve around themes of regional identity, sporting competition, and modernity. The Catalan flag and COPA CATALUNYA emphasize a distinct cultural affiliation. The automobile race signifies an embrace of technological advancement and international engagement during a period of rapid industrialization. The landscape itself – the fortress, the coastline – hints at a history marked by defense and resilience, while simultaneously providing a picturesque setting for this display of modern athleticism. The overall effect is one of controlled grandeur, blending natural beauty with human ambition and cultural assertion.