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Literary
July 12, 1827
The Wilmingtonian, And Delaware Advertiser
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware
What is this article about?
A traveler's observation of the agreeable ladies of Valladolid, Spain, describing their natural beauty, uniform dress including basquina and mantilla, and their devoted, tyrannical nature in love, contrasting with changing Spanish customs.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE LADIES OF VALLADOLID.
The ladies of Valladolid were so agreeable that I saw much less of the city and its buildings than I otherwise should have done. In the evening I accompanied them to a tertullia, which was attended by all the fashion of that place. I really think there is less of art in the composition of Spanish women than of any other people whatsoever. They neither paint nor patch, nor have those periodical moultings of feathers which fashion elsewhere prescribes; but they all dress nearly alike, and in the same ways at all seasons; that Senora Maria is only to be distinguished from Senora Mariana by a countenance more melancholy, by black eyes swimming in a more maiden whiteness, or by a figure (which is ever graceful) of some what large or smaller mould.
The basquina, or black silk petticoat, is generally bordered at the bottom with black beads, and so disposed into an open kind of net work, as to afford the curious eye the casual felicity of admiring the most beautiful ankle in the world. Their stockings are of white silk, and they are never without a mantilla, (an ample veil of white lace,) which is gracefully flung over their head and shoulders when they go abroad, and at other times adopted as a shawl." Small pieces of lead are attached to the bottom of the basquinas, which accounts for the Ionic elegance of its foldings and fall. Amidst the many changes that Spain has undergone, the women alone seem to be unchanged. Lattices, and jealousies, and duennas, and indeed all that used to give love-making such a romantic air in this beyond any other country, have long since disappeared, but the passion itself still continues the existence of Spanish women. It is not however, that intriguing kind of love, which we hear of in France, where a lady changes her love as easily and as often as her gloves; but rather a devotion to one object, which renders them the greatest tyrants in the world, and makes them exact more adoration than was ever offered up at any idol's shrine.
The ladies of Valladolid were so agreeable that I saw much less of the city and its buildings than I otherwise should have done. In the evening I accompanied them to a tertullia, which was attended by all the fashion of that place. I really think there is less of art in the composition of Spanish women than of any other people whatsoever. They neither paint nor patch, nor have those periodical moultings of feathers which fashion elsewhere prescribes; but they all dress nearly alike, and in the same ways at all seasons; that Senora Maria is only to be distinguished from Senora Mariana by a countenance more melancholy, by black eyes swimming in a more maiden whiteness, or by a figure (which is ever graceful) of some what large or smaller mould.
The basquina, or black silk petticoat, is generally bordered at the bottom with black beads, and so disposed into an open kind of net work, as to afford the curious eye the casual felicity of admiring the most beautiful ankle in the world. Their stockings are of white silk, and they are never without a mantilla, (an ample veil of white lace,) which is gracefully flung over their head and shoulders when they go abroad, and at other times adopted as a shawl." Small pieces of lead are attached to the bottom of the basquinas, which accounts for the Ionic elegance of its foldings and fall. Amidst the many changes that Spain has undergone, the women alone seem to be unchanged. Lattices, and jealousies, and duennas, and indeed all that used to give love-making such a romantic air in this beyond any other country, have long since disappeared, but the passion itself still continues the existence of Spanish women. It is not however, that intriguing kind of love, which we hear of in France, where a lady changes her love as easily and as often as her gloves; but rather a devotion to one object, which renders them the greatest tyrants in the world, and makes them exact more adoration than was ever offered up at any idol's shrine.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Love Romance
What keywords are associated?
Valladolid Ladies
Spanish Women
Basquina
Mantilla
Devoted Love
Literary Details
Title
The Ladies Of Valladolid.
Subject
Description Of The Ladies Of Valladolid And Spanish Women's Customs
Key Lines
The Ladies Of Valladolid Were So Agreeable That I Saw Much Less Of The City And Its Buildings Than I Otherwise Should Have Done.
I Really Think There Is Less Of Art In The Composition Of Spanish Women Than Of Any Other People Whatsoever.
The Basquina, Or Black Silk Petticoat, Is Generally Bordered At The Bottom With Black Beads, And So Disposed Into An Open Kind Of Net Work, As To Afford The Curious Eye The Casual Felicity Of Admiring The Most Beautiful Ankle In The World.
But Rather A Devotion To One Object, Which Renders Them The Greatest Tyrants In The World, And Makes Them Exact More Adoration Than Was Ever Offered Up At Any Idol's Shrine.