Postales de España

Abstract

The construction of “Spanishness” as cultural phenomenon has been quite relevant for the history of visual production in Spain. From high culture to low culture the same modes of visual representations have proliferated during the 20th century, without relevant changes occuring from one political regime to another. Taking this “picturesque” described by 19th century travellers image of Spain as a starting point, the article focuses on Sorolla’s Visiones de España and the official touristic posters, revealing many affinities that point to shared codes which do not so much speak of “reality” as create it.