Did you notice the plaque fixed to the facade? That is the Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo Plaque. It commemorates a brilliant Spanish scholar. This plaque honors Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo. He was a historian and literary critic of great renown.
Let’s delve into the story behind this tribute. Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo was born in Santander in 1856. He died in the same city in 1912. His intellectual journey was remarkable. He earned a doctorate from the University of Madrid. He expanded his knowledge in Portugal, France, and Italy.
At only 21, he became a professor of Spanish Literature. It was at the Universidad Central de Madrid. By 25, he entered the Real Academia Española. A year later, he joined the Academia de la Historia. He served as a Member of Parliament. He represented the Conservative Party for Mallorca in 1884. Later, he became a senator for the University of Oviedo.
From 1898, Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo directed the Biblioteca Nacional. In 1905, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize. He significantly contributed to the formation of bourgeois nationalistic thought. It was during the Restoration period.
Among his notable works are the “Obras de Lope de Vega.” These span thirteen volumes. Another is the “Antología de los poetas líricos españoles.” This also comprises thirteen volumes. We must not forget “Orígenes de la novela”. Before his death, he bequeathed his library. It contained over 40,000 volumes. He left it to his native city, Santander.
The Madrid City Council initiated the plaque dedication. In August 1915, they sought permission from the Real Academia de la Historia. They wanted to install the plaque on the facade. Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo lived here. He lived here while director of the institution from 1894 to 1912.
A contest was held among marble sculptors. Enrique Cuartero y Huerta’s proposal was chosen. However, the World War caused delays. The sculptor could not obtain the necessary marble. The City Council terminated the contract in January 1920. Marcelino Barreiros finally completed the marble work. Pedro Villalba created the bronze shield and letters.
The Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo Plaque was inaugurated on March 30, 1921. The City Council attended under maces. The director of the Academia de la Historia was also present. He was the Marquis of Laurecín.
The plaque is rectangular and made of marble. The old Madrid coat of arms appears at the top. It features a closed royal crown and laurel branches. All are in bronze. Below a limestone cornice is an inscription. The inscription is superimposed with bronze letters. It reads: “GLORY OF SPAIN / AND OF ALL THE REPUBLIC OF LETTERS / MARCELINO MENÉNDEZ Y PELAYO / RESIDED IN THIS HOUSE.”
The inscription continues “OF THE REAL ACADEMIA DE LA HISTORIA / FROM THE YEAR 1894 UNTIL 1912 / BEING FIRST LIBRARIAN AND DIRECTOR AFTERWARDS / OF THE SAME / TO HIS ETERNAL MEMORY / THIS PLAQUE HAS DEDICATED / THE EXCMO. CITY COUNCIL OF MADRID / ON MARCH 30, 1921”. The lower edge is carved in a modillion shape. The plaque is made of white marble. Its dimensions are 1.40 x 2.00 meters.
The Marcelino Menéndez y Pelayo Plaque stands as a lasting tribute. It commemorates a man of immense intellect and contribution to Spanish literature and thought. It reminds us of his enduring legacy. His influence continues to resonate through the ages.