The National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC) in Barcelona now features a rare display of Francisco Mateos's painting, 'The Wounded Militiaman'. It is shown alongside 41 drawings by José Luis Rey Vila, known as Sim. This significant exhibition is part of the museum's permanent collection galleries. It coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Spanish Civil War.
'The Wounded Militiaman' holds particular historical importance. It was exhibited at the 1937 Paris International Exhibition. There, it shared space with Pablo Picasso's 'Guernica' and Joan Miró's 'The Reaper'. The painting is usually not on public display due to its fragile condition. This makes its current viewing an exceptional opportunity. The museum presents the artwork tilted. It is accompanied by a virtual reconstruction created with generative artificial intelligence by artist Pilar Rosado. This aims to recover the painting's original message, which deterioration had obscured.
New Acquisitions and Historical Significance
The 41 drawings by Sim, a key visual chronicler of the Spanish Civil War, come from a series of 100 works. The Catalan government acquired these in 2024 through its acquisitions programme. Sim's detailed sketches offer a direct window into the conflict. The exhibition allows visitors to look at the historical and heritage value of 'The Wounded Militiaman'. The painting is in a ruinous state. This marks its first public display since its return from Paris in 1938. This follows extensive research by the museum's Restoration Area.
Art of the Spanish Civil War
The MNAC is using these new additions to place the art of the Spanish Civil War period at the centre of its museum narrative. This focus is especially relevant as Barcelona and Catalonia remember the conflict's beginning 90 years ago. The Spanish Civil War, from 1936 to 1939, profoundly affected Barcelona. It led to significant social and political upheaval. The city endured heavy bombings and became a symbol of republican resistance. These artworks offer a powerful connection to a critical era in Spain's history. They help international residents and tourists understand the deep impact of the war on Catalan society and culture.
The museum's effort to restore and virtually reconstruct 'The Wounded Militiaman' shows a commitment to preserving and interpreting challenging historical narratives. The integration of generative AI in the display provides a new way to engage with damaged historical pieces. By bringing these works into its permanent collection, the MNAC continues to enrich its portrayal of Catalan art history. The exhibition ensures that the artistic responses to the Spanish Civil War remain accessible and understood by current and future generations.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
