Procession surprised by the rain 

Mariano Fortuny Marsal captured this scene of a ‘Procession Surprised by Rain’ during a time of significant political change in Spain, as the country sought to redefine its identity through modernization. Notice how the downpour blurs the lines between the sacred and the secular, as religious figures and ordinary citizens alike huddle for cover. Fortuny, who had witnessed firsthand the brutalities of war in Morocco, often depicted scenes that capture the human condition amidst societal upheaval. Here, the heavy atmosphere evokes a sense of shared vulnerability. The artist's loose brushwork and muted palette invite us to reflect on the transient nature of both faith and daily life. The painting delicately balances the visual weight of the church against the figures. Consider how the inclement weather serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable forces that shape our lives, blurring the lines between the spiritual and the mundane.