Where can I see Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs')?

Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs') is held by Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

What movement is Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs')?

Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs') is associated with Art Nouveau.

Can I buy a print of Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs')?

Museum-quality prints of Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs') are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs')

Ramon Casas , 1898

Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the 'lambs') is an oil painting by the Art Nouveau artist Ramon Casas. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

About this work

Overview

Ramon Casas painted *Courtyard of the old Barcelona prison (Courtyard of the ‘lambs)’* in 1898. Executed in oil on canvas, the work belongs to the artist’s late‑19th‑century output and is part of the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows an enclosed courtyard surrounded by pale stone walls and a row of yellow‑white buildings. Bare trees occupy the foreground, while a distant chimney releases a thin column of smoke, suggesting the site is integrated into a larger institutional complex, likely the former Barcelona prison.

Technique & Style

Casas employs a muted palette of beiges, yellows and soft greens, applying brushwork that softens architectural edges and conveys a tranquil atmosphere. The handling of light and shade reflects his engagement with Art Nouveau’s decorative sensibility while retaining a restrained realism.

History & Provenance

Created during a period of social tension in Barcelona, the painting reflects Casas’s interest in urban spaces beyond his well‑known portraits of the city’s elite. It entered the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya’s holdings in the early 20th century, where it remains on display.

Context

At the turn of the century, Casas was a leading figure in Catalan modernisme, frequently documenting public gatherings and civic architecture. This work extends that focus to a less celebrated setting, offering a quiet counterpoint to his more bustling scenes of city life.