The mystery of an 1899 school photograph in Rubí

A historical image restored with AI raises questions about the identity of teachers and the timeline.

Generic image of a group of school children and teachers in the late 19th century.
IA

Generic image of a group of school children and teachers in the late 19th century.

A 1899 photograph showing a group of students from the national schools of Rubí has been recovered and restored using artificial intelligence, revealing new historical insights.

The image, by an unknown author, was originally published in the book L'Abans in 2002. AI technology has allowed the restoration of this snapshot, which was previously in very poor condition.
The scene is unusual for the period as it shows a mixed group of boys and girls. In 1899, Rubí had strictly segregated schools located on Llobateras and Sant Cugat streets, making this outdoor gathering a rare historical document.
Historians debate the identity of the male teacher. While often identified as Paulí Feliu, records show he did not start teaching in Rubí until 1919, suggesting the man might actually be Manuel Miralles.