Building originally intended for residential use, composed of a ground floor and three floors, located on the corner of a block, with which it has two main facades linked by a chamfer, in which two wrought iron galleries are located on the second and third floors. .
The two facades have a similar composition, with a slightly advanced central body and two lateral ones with padded walls, which receive the most decorative attention. The central part of this body has a more classicist treatment, evidenced by the semicircular arches, supported by pilasters, and the presence of a triangular pediment in the central bay of the third floor. The crowning of this body is made with a breastplate with three arches pierced by ovals, which serve to illuminate the attic.
Each of the plants has a different ornamentation, this is characteristic of eclecticism. Also striking is the variety of treatment of the openings, with straight lintels, segmental arches and semicircular arches. The treatment of the overlintels, the arches and the support brackets of the balconies stands out. In the central area of ??the facade to Policarpo Sanz, in the keystones of the arches on the ground floor you can see carved three women's faces that, in their lower part, have three symbols: that of commerce (caduceus), that of industry (cogwheel) and agriculture (sickle and farming implements).
All this work of ornamentation carved in granite stone, demonstrates the mastery of the stonemasons of the time.
Part of the structure of the building is made of iron, always masked inside the building, whose use increases from this time, due to the lowering of costs produced by industrialization.
Symbology:
Today, it is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city, having become one of the most important cultural centers in Vigo.
Ana:
In the upper part of the central body of the façade facing Policarpo Sanz, the initials of the owner (MA) can be seen carved in the stone.
It is the first work of the architect Jenaro de la Fuente Domínguez in the city of Vigo, which consecrates it as an architect and makes it possible to commission numerous subsequent works.
The promoter of the building is Manuel Bárcena Franco, the first Count of Torrecedeira. He dedicated himself to banking, international trade, ship consignment, etc. In addition, he was an active part of the political life of the city within the conservative party, becoming mayor, president of the Pontevedra Provincial Council and senator on several occasions.
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