Escut de l'Hospitalet

In the bustling city of L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, just on the outskirts of Barcelona, stands a remarkable piece of public art that captures the essence of the city’s identity and history. This is the Escut de l'Hospitalet, also known by its local name, Escudo de l'Hospitalet. This striking sculpture, often referred to as La pinza (The Clamp) due to its resemblance to a clothespin, is a creation by the renowned Catalan artist Josep Maria Subirachs, unveiled in 1974.

A Symbolic Landmark

The Escut de l'Hospitalet is not just a piece of art; it is a symbol of the city’s heritage and pride. Situated at the confluence of Plaza de Ca n'Escorça with Santa Eulalia and Riera Blanca streets, it marks the gateway to L'Hospitalet from Barcelona. The location itself is significant as it physically and symbolically bridges the two cities, with the sidewalk of Riera Blanca street in front of the sculpture belonging administratively to Barcelona.

The Visionary Artist: Josep Maria Subirachs

Josep Maria Subirachs, the mastermind behind the Escut de l'Hospitalet, was a multifaceted artist born in 1927. His career spanned various artistic disciplines including sculpture, painting, engraving, and scenography. Subirachs was known for his geometric forms, angular lines, and rough textures. His works often carried a strong symbolic component, aiming to transcend reality rather than merely imitate it. Throughout his career, Subirachs was deeply influenced by his Catalan roots, and this is vividly reflected in his creations.

The Neofigurative Masterpiece

The Escut de l'Hospitalet belongs to Subirachs' neofigurative period, which began around 1965. This phase was characterized by stylized and expressionist forms that emphasized symbolic representation. Despite its neofigurative nature, the Escut de l'Hospitalet echoes some of Subirachs' earlier abstract works from the 1960s, known as the penetrations and tensions phase. These works often featured wedges, screws, iron braces, and cables, creating a dynamic interplay between matter and space, gravity and counterweight, and the concepts of void and fullness.

Design and Symbolism

The sculpture is a monumental tribute to the coat of arms of L'Hospitalet. The coat of arms, or blazon, is described as follows: a shield tiled truncated: 1st of argent, a saltire or cross of Santa Eulalia full of gules, 2nd of gold, four pales of gules. Topped with a mural crown of the city. Santa Eulalia, a martyr from Barcelona who was crucified on a saltire around the year 303, is the patron saint of L'Hospitalet. Subirachs ingeniously recreated the cross with two vertical blocks of formwork concrete, upon which four red concrete blocks representing the four bars of the Catalan flag are wedged at the top. This design not only symbolizes the city's patron saint but also pays homage to Catalonia's rich cultural heritage.

Historical and Cultural Engravings

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Escut de l'Hospitalet is the array of symbols and inscriptions engraved on the inner side of the cross. These engravings include the names of neighborhoods, coats of arms, churches, buildings, and notable figures associated with the city. This rich tapestry of historical and cultural references reflects Subirachs' commitment to embedding the identity and history of L'Hospitalet within his work. The presence of letters and numbers in the sculpture is a recurring theme in Subirachs' oeuvre, symbolizing communication and intellectual progress.

A Monument of Identity

Subirachs once expressed his desire to be an artist who helps create the symbols of his country's identity. The Escut de l'Hospitalet is a testament to this aspiration. It stands alongside other nationalistic monuments created by Subirachs, such as the Homage to Catalan Resistance (1981), the Monument to the Reestablishment of the Generalitat of Catalonia (1982), and the Monument to the Millennium of Catalonia (1990). These works, along with the Escut de l'Hospitalet, highlight Subirachs' dedication to celebrating and preserving Catalonia's history and culture.

Inauguration and Legacy

The Escut de l'Hospitalet was inaugurated on April 26, 1975, by the then-mayor Vicente Capdevila. Since its unveiling, the sculpture has become an integral part of the city's landscape and a point of pride for its residents. It stands as a powerful reminder of L'Hospitalet's rich history and cultural heritage, as well as a symbol of the city's enduring spirit and identity.

In conclusion, the Escut de l'Hospitalet is more than just a sculpture; it is a beacon of the city's identity, history, and pride. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, taking the time to admire this remarkable piece of art will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for L'Hospitalet de Llobregat and its vibrant cultural heritage.