3-053-454 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Church Door, Spain", from a photograph by Goupil and Co., of the picture by Madrazo, 1873. 'In the picture by Madrazos, which is engraved after a photograph belonging to Messrs. Goupil and Co., we see a characteristic example of that familiar neighbourhood of sacred to trivial objects so constantly met with in the ecclesiastical associations of a Roman Catholic country in Southern Europe. The embroideress, or lace-worker, sits busy at her task; the little boy is at his play on the pavement below; the strolling minstrel hugs his guitar; the muffled beggars await the dole of charitable visitors to the temple of Divine grace; the monk or pilgrim is sunk in pious meditation; while the ladies who have paid, or are going to pay, their customary tribute of devotion at the altar exchange some friendly talk on the fashions or scandals of their social world. Behind the curtained portal, with its dim tapestry, is the scene of religious solemnity which all profess to revere; and there is much to suggest contemplative thought in this picture of a "Church Door in Spain".' From "Illustrated London News", 1873.