Monumento a los saineteros

The sainete is a short play that was widespread until well into the 20th century. They were plays that reflected situations and characters of the people, which is why they were so popular. Madrid City Council erected a monument to some of these saineteros: Ramón de la Cruz, Ricardo de la Vega, Francisco Asenjo Barbieri and Federico Chueca. Their busts appear at the base of the monument, which was the work of Lorenzo Coullaut Valera. It was inaugurated in 1913 but was then located in the Glorieta de San Vicente. It now presides over the so-called Plaza de los Chispero, at number 18 Calle Manuel Silvela.

Text and photos by Antonio Castro Jiménez, Chronicler of the City of Madrid.