Jaral de Berrio V, Guanajuato, Mexico

Signed, titled, dated and from edition of 5 on artist’s label on verso.

Available in 3 sizes: 100 x 120 cm. (39.4 x 47.2 in.), 120 x 150 cm. (47.2 x 59.1 in.), 180 x 225 cm. (70.9 x 88.6 in.)

Massimo Listri’s photograph of “Jaral de Berrio V, Guanajuato, Mexico” offers a poignant glimpse into the faded grandeur and storied past of this historic location. The blue room depicted in the image is a haunting reminder of the passage of time and the enduring legacy of a bygone era.

Jaral de Berrio, located in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, holds a rich history dating back to the colonial era. Constructed in the 18th century, Jaral de Berrio was once a sprawling hacienda belonging to the wealthy Spanish nobleman, Don José de la Berrera y Bocanegra. The hacienda served as a center of agricultural production, with vast fields and livestock contributing to its prosperity.

Over the centuries, Jaral de Berrio witnessed periods of prosperity and decline, reflecting the changing economic and social dynamics of the region. Despite its former grandeur, the hacienda fell into disrepair over time, with neglect and abandonment contributing to its current state of dilapidation.

Listri’s photograph captures the haunting beauty of decay, inviting viewers to contemplate the passage of time and the impermanence of human endeavors. The ornate ceiling and peeling wallpaper evoke a sense of faded elegance, while the wires hanging down from the ceiling hint at the once-grand chandelier that likely adorned the room.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the decline of Jaral de Berrio may remain shrouded in mystery, Listri’s photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of historical landmarks and the importance of preserving them for future generations. Through his lens, viewers are invited to reflect on the complex interplay between history, memory, and the passage of time, as embodied by this evocative image of Jaral de Berrio.