2-798-993 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Costumes of the Prado, 1845. Inhabitants of Madrid: '...we see the mantilla, in all its national varieties. Then, we have the military uniform, and the cloak...the passion of the people for being well-dressed is incipiently illustrated...The prevalence of dark colours is remarkable; black having always keen the favourite, the national colour of Spain. On the general character of Spain Costumes, we borrow the following lively page from Mr. Ford's admirable "Handbook of Spain": "The gentlemen in their capas mingle with the ladies in their mantillas, the white-kilted Valencian contrasts with the velveteen glittering Andalucian; the sable-clad priest with the soldier; the peasant with the muleteer: all meet on perfect equality...and all conduct themselves with equal decorum, good breeding, and propriety"'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.