The nine equestrian statues of Franco are the story of an image that was truncated in 1977, when the amnesty law was promulgated (and which is still in force). The model on which the sculptures were based was given an amnesty. Since then, those bronze horses have taken part in a unique obstacle course. “FANTASMA ’77” explores the monumental image of Franco after the death of the model and how the state has struggled. If we cannot hold the dictator to account, should we hold images of him to account? Won’t they get upset?
This is the focus of attention. Iconodulia (veneration) and iconoclasm towards representations of Franco allow us to study patrimonial policies of the State (through the action of governments, parliaments, and courts) regarding the inheritance of Franco’s public iconography in the new parliamentary monarchy. In this sense, we use the official term: policies implemented or promoted administratively are of particular interest; furthermore, they encourage an exploration of the role of images in the constitution of historical memory and their political function: Are images historical memory?
