LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

Barcelona, Spain

The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a massive, privately-funded Roman Catholic church that has been under construction in Barcelona since 1882. It is not expected to be complete until 2026. Considered the masterpiece of renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926), the project's vast scale and unusual design have made it one of Barcelona's top tourist attractions for many years. Gaudi worked on the project for over 40 years, devoting the last 15 years of his life entirely to the endeavor. On the subject of the extremely long construction period, Gaudí remarked, "My client is not in a hurry."

The present design is based on an inferred version of the lost plans, as well as on modern adaptations. Every part of the fantastical design of La Sagrada Família is rich with Christian symbolism. Gaudí intended the church to be the "last great sanctuary of Christendom.” Its most striking aspect is its spindle-shaped towers; to eventually be a total of 18 tall towers. The towers are crowned with geometrically shaped tops that are reminiscent of Cubism, and the intricate decoration is suggestive of the Art Nouveau style. But Gaudí's unique design draws primarily from nature, not other artists or architects. It resists categorization.

It was the night of the last day of the 2002 Rotary Convention. I decided to try a night sketch, since the façade had such great night illumination. I found a nice street café with just the right view from which to work. But at midnight, someone turned off the lights, and the sketching was over. The feel of the building is captured. Maybe next visit to Barcelona, I’ll be able to finish the drawing.