Deaths on January 6

Marina Ginestà, French Resistance soldier and photographer (b. 1919)

Marina Ginestà i Coloma, born on January 29, 1919, in Lyon, France, and passing away on January 6, 2014, in Paris, France, emerged as a truly iconic figure of the Spanish Civil War. Her legacy is profoundly intertwined with one of the conflict's most enduring and widely recognized images: a striking photograph captured by Juan Guzmán on the rooftop of what is now known as Plaça de Catalunya 9, 08002 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. This powerful image, taken during the pivotal July 1936 military uprising in Barcelona, encapsulates the spirit of resistance and quickly became a symbol of the youthful enthusiasm and unwavering determination that characterized the early days of the Republican struggle.

Early Life and Political Awakening

Born into a family deeply rooted in communist ideals, Marina Ginestà's parents were Spanish tailors who had emigrated to France due to political turmoil. This upbringing profoundly shaped her political consciousness from a young age. By 1930, her family had returned to Spain, settling in Barcelona, a city that was a hotbed of political activity and social change. Marina quickly immersed herself in the burgeoning anti-fascist movement. She became a committed member of the Unified Socialist Youth (Juventudes Socialistas Unificadas, JSU), an influential organization formed from the merger of communist and socialist youth groups. Her dedication to the cause was evident in her active participation in political discourse and organizational efforts leading up to the outbreak of the civil war.

The Iconic Photograph: A Symbol of Resistance

The image that cemented Marina Ginestà's place in history was taken on July 21, 1936, merely days after the military coup d'état attempted by General Francisco Franco's nationalist forces had sparked widespread conflict across Spain. The setting for this memorable shot was the rooftop of the Hotel Colón, located at Plaça de Catalunya 9 in the heart of Barcelona. At that moment, the city was a focal point of intense fighting, as civilian militias and loyalist forces valiantly resisted the military uprising.

Juan Guzmán: The Photographer Behind the Lens

The renowned photographer, Juan Guzmán, born Hans Gutmann in Germany, was a Jewish exile who had fled Nazi persecution. He arrived in Spain with a keen eye for documenting historical events and a strong anti-fascist conviction. Guzmán's work throughout the Spanish Civil War provided an invaluable visual record of the conflict, capturing both the heroism and the tragedy of the era. His photograph of Ginestà is considered one of his most powerful contributions, showcasing his ability to capture profound human emotion and historical significance in a single frame.

Symbolism of the Image

In the photograph, Ginestà, then only 17 years old, is seen leaning against a railing, rifle slung over her shoulder, gazing confidently into the distance. Although she was not a combatant—her primary role during the war involved interpreting and journalism—the military uniform and rifle were symbolic. The image powerfully conveyed the civilian population's readiness to defend the Second Spanish Republic against the fascist threat. It captured the idealism, courage, and collective spirit of the anti-fascist resistance, making it an enduring emblem of the Spanish Civil War and a testament to the popular mobilization against the coup.

Beyond the Image: Marina Ginestà's Enduring Legacy

Marina Ginestà's involvement in the Spanish Civil War extended beyond her iconic photographic moment. She served as a crucial interpreter and journalist for Mikhail Koltsov, a prominent Soviet correspondent for Pravda who was reporting from the Republican front lines. Her linguistic skills and political acumen were invaluable in facilitating communication and documenting events for international audiences. After the defeat of the Republic in 1939, like many other Republicans, Ginestà was forced into exile. She lived in various countries, including France, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, before eventually settling in Paris. Throughout her life, she continued to be a witness to and an advocate for historical memory, reflecting on the profound impact of the war on a generation. She only returned to Spain after the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, a testament to her steadfast political convictions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marina Ginestà

Who was Marina Ginestà?

Marina Ginestà i Coloma was a French-born Spanish communist, a member of the Unified Socialist Youth, and a journalist/interpreter during the Spanish Civil War, famously known for an iconic photograph taken of her in Barcelona in 1936.

What is the significance of her famous photo?

The photograph of Marina Ginestà on the rooftop of Plaça de Catalunya is one of the most iconic images of the Spanish Civil War. It symbolizes the youthful idealism, courage, and popular resistance against the fascist military uprising, encapsulating the spirit of the Republican cause.

Where was the famous photo of Marina Ginestà taken?

The famous photograph was taken by Juan Guzmán on the rooftop of the Hotel Colón, located at Plaça de Catalunya 9, 08002 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, during the July 1936 military uprising.

What was Marina Ginestà's role in the Spanish Civil War?

While not a direct combatant, Marina Ginestà was an active member of the Unified Socialist Youth. She primarily served as a journalist and an interpreter for Soviet correspondent Mikhail Koltsov, contributing to the documentation and reporting of the war efforts for international audiences.

When did Marina Ginestà die?

Marina Ginestà i Coloma passed away on January 6, 2014, at the age of 94, in Paris, France.