Gaudí’s oldest known work: a lamp
Tucked away in the bustling Plaça Reial in Barcelona, Gaudí's earliest known public work stands unassumingly—a pair of six-armed street lamps. Designed in 1879, when Gaudí was just 27 years old, these lamps, commissioned by the Barcelona City Council, mark the beginning of a journey that would revolutionize architecture.
Positioned on either side of the Font de les Tres Gràcies, these lamps reflect Gaudí’s budding artistic vision. The wrought iron and limestone structures blend Gothic and eclectic styles, crowned with intricate details like winged helmets and dragon-headed serpents – symbols of Mercury, the Roman god of commerce. This symbolism highlights Barcelona’s significance as a commercial hub in the late 19th century, a period of rapid industrial and economic growth. The vibrant polychrome coats of arms, painted on the base, further emphasize Gaudí’s early artistic flair.
Design and Symbolism
The street lamps showcase a distinctive combination of Gothic and eclectic styles, with each lamp crowned by winged helmets and coiled serpents representing Mercury, the Roman god of communication and commerce. The bases are adorned with Barcelona’s coat of arms, painted in vibrant colors, adding a touch of polychrome to the iron and stone structures. This early public commission allowed Gaudí to experiment with symbolism, foreshadowing the architectural innovations he would later perfect.
These lamps, often overlooked, are Gaudí’s first public commission, foreshadowing his future masterpieces. While they may appear simple compared to his iconic works like Casa Batlló and Sagrada Família, the lamps reveal his early fascination with combining nature, symbolism, and functionality. Much like the twisting iron balconies of Casa Milà or the organic forms of Park Güell, these lamps are an early example of Gaudí’s vision to blend practical urban features with artistic expression.
Plaça Reial: a living history
Plaça Reial is in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, and it’s known for its lively atmosphere, architecture, and festivals such as La Mercè. This square is where locals and tourists gather, and the street lamps quietly observe the ever-evolving urban landscape. Visitors can also explore nearby Palau Güell, just a short walk away, offering more insights into Gaudí’s early works and his evolution as an architect.
