A road near Seville, Spain 

John Frederick Lewis composed this watercolour, 'A road near Seville, Spain'. Notice the woman atop the donkey, her face framed by the dark veil, a symbol deeply rooted in Spanish culture. The Mantilla, as this veil is known, traditionally signified piety and modesty, but it has seen countless incarnations throughout history. One might recall similar veils donned by figures in Renaissance paintings, signifying mourning or religious devotion. The image stirs echoes of ancient rituals, hinting at hidden emotional states. It is a potent, ever-evolving emblem. It is not merely an article of clothing; it is a visual language through which identity is constructed, contested, and negotiated. It is a symbol of Spanish identity, evolving to convey a myriad of meanings, from solemn respect to the spark of cultural pride.