Monumento público e identidad en la ciudad de Huelva (1875-2012)

Abstract

The status of art criticism regarding the public monument has evolved from the critical stance adopted by Gaya Nuño, Portela Sandoval and Pérez Reyes, to the studies carried out by Fernández Delgado, Miguel Pasamontes and Vega González, in the context of Madrid, and the latest research by Salvador Prieto and Lozano Bartolozzi. These monographs were followed by Roy Dolcet, Carlos Reyero and Martín González, who cover the study of the commemorative monument in our country between 1875 and 1975. The first reference for the city of Huelva can be found in the work of Diego Díaz Hierro who, in a series of newspaper articles in the now extinct Odiel, contributed to the publication of a brief monumental panorama of the city of Huelva and its surroundings. Nowadays, the topic of the public monument arouses great interest among researchers. If we add to this the popularity of studies aimed at unravelling the complexity of the concept of identity, this thesis is meant to be an important contribution to the research carried out in related disciplines, although most present studies are aimed at the cataloguing of works in various Spanish cities. At first sight, this thesis could be included among these local approaches; however, an important effort has been made to synthesise the advances made in this field on a theoretical level and to offer a new approach to the subject of study that focuses on the consideration of the public monument as an element for the creation and promotion of local identity, and also on compiling a catalogue of monuments to provide local administrations with a tool for their preservation and dissemination. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the role played by the erection of monuments on the side of local authorities as far as it conducts to the reinforcement of public identity. The public monuments included in this research follow a chronological order starting in 1875 and ending in 2012, through the cataloguing and systematisation of those works carried out in the city of Huelva. The guiding idea is that monuments are manifestations of the citizens’ identity and are meant to generate or reinforce citizenship. The study includes a theoretical review of the state of the art on the topics of identity and the concept of monument. In addition, we approach the complex definition of the identity of Huelva, analysing its conformation as a frontier land on the Iberian Peninsula, together with other geographical and historical factors that have given rise to the emergence of a local spirit and, mainly in relation to Huelva's leading role in the Discovery of America, an event that was highlighted at the time of the 4th Centenary in 1892, strengthening the bond with America until the present day. In the second place, we focus on those public monuments dedicated to the most outstanding personalities connected to the town. The analysis concludes with the works included in the Monument Planning promoted by Huelva City Council, which set local identity traits based on the following themes: British heritage, religious identity, local public figures, American monuments and Huelva maritime history and identity. The analysis of these factors is in connection with other identity concepts that have become recently associated with our local history, and that have been considered part of our intangible cultural heritage by local authorities, such as the Real Club Recreativo de Huelva, our local football club, gastronomy, the Holy Week, the pilgrimage to El Rocío, and fandango music. In short, this thesis aims to fill an important gap that will help to develop new preservation and dissemination heritage strategies. For this reason, we believe that this catalogue could be an addition to the academic literature on the topic, but also that it could be a useful tool for professionals in local administrations that they could use to enable the preservation of monuments to prevent them being considered as mere street furniture.