The Great Day of Girona

"The Great Day of Girona" originally titled "El gran dia de Girona" is a distinguished oil painting by Ramon Martí Alsina. It portrays a crucial victory of Girona's defenders over the French forces during the Third Siege of Girona in 1809. Finished in 1864, this monumental work is the largest easel painting in the history of Catalan art. Its creation spanned over a decade, during which the artist faced multiple financial crises. Today, the painting is preserved in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and is permanently displayed in an auditorium of the Catalan Government building in Girona.

Martí Alsina may have intended this piece to rival Marià Fortuny's "Battle of Tetuan" which was commissioned by the Barcelona council. During the Spanish Civil War in 1938, the painting suffered damage from a bombardment but was meticulously restored between 2009 and 2010. Martí Alsina's fascination with themes such as the Peninsular War and the Siege of Girona also inspired other works, including "El somatent del Bruch" "La Companyia de Santa Bàrbara" and "Les heroïnes de Girona."

The painting's grand scale and historical significance make it a cornerstone of Catalan art. Martí Alsina's dedication to its creation involved extensive research, numerous sketches, and the use of dozens of models dressed in historically accurate attire. The 2009 restoration was a monumental effort, involving experts from various institutions and employing innovative techniques to preserve the artwork.

Measuring an impressive 446 × 1082 cm, the painting vividly depicts the aftermath of the battle in Girona with meticulous detail and dramatic flair. It showcases Martí Alsina's exceptional skill in composition and his ability to convey a historical event with both precision and emotion. The restoration and exhibition of the painting have underscored its historical importance and the artist's unwavering commitment to his craft.