The enigmatic sculpture 'La deessa', or L’enigma, situated at Plaça Catalunya, was crafted by Josep Clarà i Ayats. During a stay in Paris in 1909, the sculptor sent a sketch for the work, which later earned him the title of Soci d'honor de la National de Beaux Arts de França. In 1927, the Ajuntament de Barcelona commissioned two statues for the new urbanization of Plaça Catalunya: Joventut and La deessa.
The sculpture was awarded medals at national and international exhibitions, yet sparked controversy and was removed in 1927 due to moral pressure. It was reinstated on the eve of the 1929 International Exposition and gained immense popularity. A new version was created in 1931, which was acquired by the Museu dels Agustinians de Tolosa.
Due to concerns about its external deterioration, the sculpture was shifted to the vestibule of the Casa de la Ciutat in 1982, with a replica by Ricard Sala taking its place at Plaça Catalunya.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nik Frost
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