Didn’t Francisco de Quevedo once call this very neighborhood home? Here, before us, is the Francisco de Quevedo Plaque. It marks the house that once belonged to Francisco de Quevedo. The plaque is a tribute to one of Spain’s most distinguished writers. The building dates back to 1945.
This area is steeped in literary history. It is located opposite the Trinitarias convent. The corner is at the street Calle Lope de Vega. This was Francisco de Quevedo’s first house in Madrid. He acquired it in 1620. Back then, the street was called Calle del Niño. Today, it is Calle Quevedo.
The neighborhood was full of writers and artists. It was a lively area with many taverns. Francisco de Quevedo frequented these taverns.
Interestingly, this house was previously owned by Luis de Góngora. He was another famous writer. Góngora and Quevedo had a major feud. The plaque doesn’t mention Góngora’s connection to the house. This neighborhood is now known as Barrio de las Letras.
Francisco de Quevedo was known for his strong personality. He was a regular at brothels. He visited the marginal venues of the era. People loved him because he was close to them. Góngora, on the other hand, wasn’t as popular. People around him showed antipathy.
A monument to Quevedo stands in Madrid. It is in the Glorieta de Quevedo. Agustin Querol designed the monument. It was unveiled in 1902. The statue is made of Carrara marble. Quevedo wears his Pince-nez, called quevedos in Spanish. He also wears the cross of Saint James. Allegorical sculptures surround the limestone plinth. They represent Satyre, Poetry, Prose, and History.
José Ángel Valente dedicated a poem to the statue. The poem is called “A don Francisco de Quevedo, en piedra.” The pedestal of the monument was replaced in the 1960s. A fountain made of granite was installed in 1999.
So, as we stand before the Francisco de Quevedo Plaque, we remember a literary giant. We remember his life, his feuds, and his impact on Madrid. The plaque serves as a reminder of Francisco de Quevedo’s enduring legacy. It also reminds us of the vibrant literary history that permeates these streets.