This is how Jacques Moulinier’s fascinating 1800’s watercolors immortalized the Cova Tallada.

An article published on January 23, 2025 in the digital media“Xàbia al Día” has brought to light a series of watercolors and engravings made by the French painter Jacques Moulinier, the result of his trip along the coasts of the Marina Alta in the early nineteenth century. The article is signed by David Gutiérrez Pulido, a graduate in art history and passionate about research and dissemination of historical and artistic heritage, which highlights the importance of this series of watercolors made by the French painter Jacques Moulinier between 1800 and 1804, which capture the grandeur of the Cova Tallada.

Jacques Moulinier Carved Cave Watercolors
Jacques Moulinier. Intérieur de grotte a Xabea. Cap Saint Antoine. 1800-04. Bibliothèque de l’Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art, Paris, inv. no. NUM MS 463 / 20.194.

Between those years, Moulinier undertook a journey along the coasts of the Marina Alta, during which he created a series of watercolors that stand out for their beauty and romanticism. His works represent some of the earliest known pictorial representations of the Cova Talladathe iconic cave located between Dénia and Xàbia, whose history is linked both to the exploitation of the rough stone and to defensive and seafaring uses.

Jacques Moulinier Carved Cave Watercolors
Jacques Moulinier. Vue du Cap Saint Antoine. 1800-04. Bibliothèque de l’Institut National d’Histoire de l’Art, Paris, inv. no. NUM MS 463 / 20.962.

Moulinier’s watercolors not only document the natural majesty of the Cova Tallada, but also offer an artistic vision of the period, capturing the essence and atmosphere of the place in the early nineteenth century. These paintings are a valuable testimony to the history and culture of the region, and their recent location has allowed us to further appreciate the rich heritage of the Marina Alta.(xabiaaldia.com) The Cova Tallada has been a source of inspiration for numerous artists over the years, but Moulinier’ s watercolors stand out as some of the oldest and most detailed representations of the site. His work not only enriches the artistic heritage of the area, but also offers a window into the past, allowing us to appreciate what this natural enclave was like more than two centuries ago. For lovers of history and art, Jacques Moulinier ‘s works offer a unique perspective of the Cova Tallada, combining documentary accuracy with an artistic sensibility that transcends time. These watercolors are an invitation to explore and appreciate the cultural and natural wealth of the Marina Alta. We recommend reading the article published in xabiaaldia.com.

Who is David Gutiérrez Pulido?

David Gutiérrez Pulido is a journalist specializing in history and heritage, with a particular focus on the Marina Alta. He has collaborated with various local media and is the author of numerous investigations that have brought to light little known historical episodes and documents of the region.

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