He gave his island a distinctive character and required every multinational company that set foot on his island to adapt its aesthetic to that of the archipelago. The artist César Manrique, known for transforming the landscape of Lanzarote, also left his mark right in the heart of Madrid. Just below the Edificio Princesa is a mural composed of 369 glazed tiles that features a unique architectural detail: the work begins on the exterior facade and continues into the interior of the building.
This work of art depicts various scenes related to work, construction, and laborers. Its location is directly linked to the artist’s personal relationships, as the Edificio Princesa was designed by architect Fernando Higueras, a close collaborator and dear friend of Manrique’s.
His formative years in the capital
The Canarian artist’s connection to the city began decades before the creation of this mural. In 1945, Manrique moved to Madrid to study at the San Fernando School of Fine Arts. At this academic institution, he shared the same educational environment as other internationally renowned figures.
Among the school’s notable alumni are visual artists and designers such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Remedios Varo, Fernando Botero, and Óscar de la Renta.
In addition to the ceramic composition dedicated to construction workers in the area around Princesa Street, the Lanzarote-born artist’s contribution to the capital’s architecture includes his involvement in the design of the Vaguada shopping center, keeping his legacy alive beyond the Canary Islands.