The Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona has launched a new exhibition titled 'Recovering from the Enemy,' which aims to explore the dual narratives of art protection during the Spanish Civil War. This exhibition features 135 pieces stored in the museum's deposits, which were left unclaimed after the war's end. These artworks, many of which lack recognized authorship, were managed by the Francoist government’s Service for the Defense of National Heritage (SPDAN) following their victory in the conflict. This exhibition serves as a critical reminder of the contentious historical memory that remains surrounding these artworks.

In the backdrop of the exhibition, the MNAC revisits its own history and the stories of the collections housed within its walls. The narrative presented contrasts the actions taken by the republican Generalitat, which sought to protect and disperse artworks to safeguard them from destruction during the war, against the Francoist regime's later attempts to reclaim and organize these artifacts. The exhibition thus uncovers the complexities of ownership and the differing values assigned to these artworks based on their historical context.

By putting a spotlight on these unrecognized pieces, the MNAC engages in a broader conversation about memory, reconciliation, and the importance of acknowledging the lost narratives of those who opposed Francoism. As the museum grapples with its past, the exhibition aims to facilitate a dialogue about the value of art in the turbulent times of the Civil War, illustrating how these objects embody both conflicted histories and the need for restorative practices in contemporary Spain.