Birthday congratulation (The Love Letter) 

Raimundo de Madrazo painted this captivating image of a woman with a letter and flowers, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. This artwork provides insight into the cultural values and social norms of the time. The woman's fashionable attire, delicate jewelry, and the presence of a love letter and bouquet suggest a world of courtship, romance, and social expectations. In the context of late 19th-century Spain, such imagery often reflected the aspirations and ideals of the bourgeoisie, keen to display their wealth and sophistication. Madrazo's work doesn't overtly challenge social conventions. Yet, in its subtle focus on the inner life and emotions of a woman, it perhaps hints at a shift towards a more individualized and subjective experience, away from rigid social roles. Historians often use sources like fashion magazines, etiquette guides, and personal letters to understand this period better. This way, art becomes a reflection of society and a window into the past.