The Dama del Paraigua (Lady with the Umbrella) is one of Barcelona’s most iconic sculptures, though it remains tucked away inside the city’s Zoo. Created in 1884 by sculptor Joan Roig i Solé, the piece was originally installed in the Parc de la Ciutadella and declared a cultural asset of local interest. It depicts a young woman in 19th-century dress holding a distinctive umbrella known as an antucà, designed to shield from both rain and sun.
The statue crowns a fountain designed by Josep Fontserè, the architect responsible for the Ciutadella’s transformation ahead of the 1888 Universal Exposition. But mystery surrounds the model who inspired the piece. Some historians suggest it was the sculptor’s niece, Josepa Alimbau i Roig, while others argue it was Bonaventura Ricou i Solé, born in the town of La Pobla de Segur. The latter version is commemorated there with a plaque at her birthplace.
Today, visitors to the Zoo see only a replica, with the original preserved in municipal storage. Though not initially well-received, over time the Lady with the Umbrella has become a beloved emblem of the city, appearing on postcards and souvenirs. Under the Franco regime, mayor Josep Maria de Porcioles even had miniature copies made as official gifts.
📲 Stay updated by joining our WhatsApp channel
