Barcelona Olympic Football Mascot Cobi by Javier Mariscal, 1992

The 1992 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXV Olympiad, were held in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain, from 25 July to 9 August 1992. Commonly referred to as Barcelona '92, these games were notable for being the last Summer and Winter Olympics to be held in the same year, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided thereafter to alternate the events in separate even-numbered years, starting in 1994. This was a pivotal moment in Olympic history, as the Barcelona Games marked the first Summer Olympics held in the post-Cold War era and were free from the boycotts that had plagued previous events, a situation not seen since the 1972 Munich Olympics. Barcelona '92 is widely regarded as one of the most successful Olympic Games, contributing significantly to the modernization and global image of the city. It was also a Games of many firsts: the debut of the "Dream Team" in basketball, which featured NBA players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird, and the reintegration of South Africa into the international sports community after a 32-year ban due to apartheid. The participation of a unified German team following the reunification of East and West Germany, and the absence of the Soviet Union (though its former republics competed as the Unified Team), further emphasized the geopolitical shifts of the time. The official mascot for the 1992 Barcelona Games was *Cobi*, a stylized sheepdog designed by Catalan artist and designer Javier Mariscal. Mariscal, already a significant figure in contemporary design, was known for his eclectic and playful style, often blending comic art with a modernist sensibility. His creation of Cobi was a departure from previous Olympic mascots, embracing a cubist-inspired design that reflected Barcelona’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Although Cobi’s abstract, unconventional appearance initially met with skepticism, the character grew in popularity and became one of the most beloved Olympic mascots. Mariscal’s design work for the Barcelona Games also extended beyond Cobi, contributing to the overall visual identity of the event. His influence helped position the Barcelona Olympics as not only a sporting triumph but also a cultural and artistic celebration, leaving a lasting legacy in design and urban development. We invite you to follow us and look at our Storefront for further 20th Century Design and 19th Century pieces. Weight of figure 1.9kg Width 28cm Height 30cm Depth 13cm BOXED: Weight 3kg Width 40cm Depth 40cm Height 15cm