Monument a Rafael Casanova

The Monument to Rafael Casanova is a sculpture located at the intersection of Ronda de Sant Pere and carrer d'Alí Bei in Barcelona, catalogada com a bé cultural d'interès local. Created by sculptor Rossend Nobas in 1888, the monument stands as an homage to Rafael Casanova i Comes, the last conseller en cap of Barcelona.

The statue represents Casanova dressed in a gramalla, a long tunic worn by consellers of Barcelona. He holds a banner of Santa Eulàlia with his left hand and a sword with his right. According to Francesc Fontbona, what stands out most is the facial expression, which conveys a pathos reminiscent of romantic heroes. The pedestal of the statue was designed by architect Alexandre Soler i March. The statue was placed on a pedestal containing the relief of Josep Llimona in 1914. The relief represents two female figures in profile with their hair gathered; one is upright and dressed in a tunic, placing her right hand on the head of the other woman. The second woman is lying down, with her right hand on her bare chest, partially covered.

An inscription on the back of the relief reads: "aquí caigué ferit el conseller en cap en Rafel de Casanova defençant les llibertats de Catalunya, 11 de setembre 1714". On the upper back is the coat of arms of Barcelona, on the lower back is the cross of St. George, the coat of arms of St. Eulàlia, and the coat of arms of Catalonia.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons