Paco the Dog
The Fascinating Story of Paco the Dog
(Courtesy of Mr. José María Moreno Bermejo)
An Icon of 19th Century Madrid
In the vibrant and cosmopolitan Madrid of the late 19th century, few figures left a mark as endearing as Paco the Dog. This black mutt with a white patch on his chest became a symbol of urban life in Madrid, frequenting cafes, theaters, and bullrings, and winning the affection and respect of all who knew him. His story deserves to be immortalized in a collection of Galdosian nativity figures, making him an essential addition for any lover of history and Madrid traditions.
The Early Years of Paco
The dog Paco first appeared at the Café de Fornos in Madrid [1], around Christmas of 1877 or 1878. It was the Marquis of Bogaraya, Don Gonzalo de Saavedra y Cueto [2], who gave him the name "Paco" in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, now the patron saint of nativity scene makers in Spain [3]. This fortuitous meeting marked the beginning of Paco's public life, and he quickly became a regular at Madrid's cafés such as El Suizo [4], the Imperial, and the Café de la Montaña. [5]
Life in Cafes and Theaters
Paco was not just a stray dog; he became a kind of social critic. He frequented cafe gatherings, where he received food scraps from patrons who enjoyed his company. His presence was so accepted and respected that he was allowed entry into places normally barred to other dogs. Often, Paco would attend the theater, where he did not hesitate to express his disapproval of bad performances with energetic barking. His sharp "critique" made him a feared figure among actors and bullfighters alike.
Paco's Bullfighting Passion
Paco's passion for bullfighting led him to become a regular at Madrid's bullring, always occupying stand 9. During bullfights, he did not hesitate to jump into the ring to reprimand bullfighters who, according to him, were not up to par. This attitude earned him both applause and criticism. On one occasion, the magazine "La Lidia" commented that Paco "fought better than the bullfighters," a notable compliment for a mere dog.
Paco's Tragic End
June 21, 1882, marked Paco's tragic end. During a novillada organized by the winemakers' guild, Paco jumped into the ring and began to bother both the bull and the bullfighter, José Rodríguez de Miguel, known as Pepe el de los Galápagos. In a fit of rage, the bullfighter stabbed him with his sword, provoking the crowd's anger. Despite efforts to save him, Paco succumbed to his injuries days later, causing widespread mourning in Madrid.
Paco's Legacy
Paco's death did not extinguish his memory. He was stuffed and temporarily displayed, and his story continued to be told in songs, journalistic chronicles, and even in a newspaper bearing his name. In 2023, a statue was installed in his honor on Calle de las Huertas, reminding us of his free spirit and impact on Madrid's life.
Paco in the Galdosian Nativity Scene
Including Paco in a collection of nativity figures not only adds historical value but also connects with Madrid's Christmas tradition. Representing Paco in this context honors his legacy and provides an emotional and cultural connection that enriches any nativity collection. Paco, with his free spirit and his connection to Saint Francis of Assisi, becomes an indispensable figure for nativity scene enthusiasts and lovers of Madrid's history.
Conclusion
The sculpture of Paco the Dog is not just a tribute to an iconic Madrid character but also a celebration of the city's cultural wealth and traditions. Integrating him into a traditional Madrid nativity scene honors his legacy and offers a fascinating narrative that captures the essence of 19th-century Madrid. Paco not only lived history; he made it, and his memory lives on in every corner of the city. By acquiring this figure, you are not only buying a piece of art but also a piece of Madrid's vibrant history, a story that deserves to be told and preserved for future generations.
Paco's story is a window into the past, a tale of friendship, freedom, and social critique that still resonates today. His presence in a Madrid nativity scene is a testament to his importance and an invitation to celebrate Madrid's rich traditions and cultural legacy.
Limited Edition:
#/24
- This figure is made exclusively to order; I don’t keep stock.
- Each piece is personally crafted as an original work of art, so delivery times may vary due to different factors. Once you place your order, I’ll provide you with an exact delivery date.
- Every piece is one-of-a-kind: signed, numbered, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. It also includes Intellectual Property registration to guarantee its value and originality.
Reproduced with the highest quality UV resin. Then, each figure is carefully hand-painted by myself.
with acrylic paint.
Rembrandt
from the prestigious Royal Talens house, ensuring the highest quality in every detail. Each brushstroke is an expression of my creativity and love for sculptural art, and each figure is a unique and authentic representation of my work, without the intervention of seconds or thirds. Don't settle for crafts, where you don't know who has reproduced or painted it; choose an authentic artwork, created by a sculptor with passion and dedication. Rembrandt acrylic paint is a high-quality artist's paint that meets the strict requirements of today's artists.
This acrylic paint is made with a high concentration of premium pigments that offer the highest degrees of lightfastness. Over 100 years of lightfastness under museum conditions.
Lightfastness has been tested according to ASTM D4303 standard.
Complete Acquisition Value - All Inclusive
All-Inclusive
- ✔ VAT
- ✔ Packaging with wooden box.
- ✔ Shipping.
- ✔ Transport Insurance.
| Height Scale | Scale 1/X | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1/16 | 30€ |
| 18 | 1/10 | 60€ |
If you're interested in another size or a figure made of terracotta or bronze, please contact me for more information. Also, if you have any questions about the creative process, I'm happy to share more details.
Warning! The values of the figures on the website are subject to change without notice due to their exclusivity and demand.
Order the figure of:
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Please note that this website is not an online store or a traditional art gallery. My collection of Madrid-style, castizo/Galdósian figures will be sold exclusively at the historic shop 'El Ángel,' which has over 150 years of experience in Sacred Art. To purchase one of these pieces, you can visit the 'El Ángel' shop in person or contact them through WhatsApp or their website. I'm also available if you have any questions and would be happy to help you learn more about the figures and how they're created.
C. de Esparteros, 3, Centro, 28012 Madrid
We invite you to visit the 'El Ángel' store to discover in person the exclusive collection of Madrilenian, traditional, and Galdosian-style figures. You’ll be able to appreciate each artistic detail up close and take home a unique piece full of history. Don’t miss the chance to see them in person!
