National Historical Iconography in 19th Century Catalan Art: the Visualization of the National Myth in Painting and Sculpture

The article focuses on the role of art in shaping the national identity of Catalonia in the 19th century, particularly through the visualization of historical myths and legends in painting and sculpture. The author analyzes how Catalan artists and sculptors utilized historical themes to construct collective memory and reinforce national consciousness. Within the context of the cultural revival (Renaixença) and the rise of Catalan nationalism, art became a tool for political propaganda and the legitimization of regional identity. The article examines the works of artists such as C. Lorenzale, M. Fortuny, A. Caba, and R. Martí i Alsina, as well as sculptors like J. Bover, who drew upon medieval and contemporary heroic narratives. Special attention is given to mythological figures such as Otger Cataló and Wilfred the Hairy, whose images became symbols of resistance and national pride. The author emphasizes that historical painting and sculpture did not merely reproduce real events but rather created idealized narratives that highlighted the continuity of Catalan virtues, such as courage and patriotism. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach. The article demonstrates how 19th-century art contributed to the formation of visual myths that strengthened the connection between the past and the present, underscoring the historical continuity of the Catalan nation.