PEASANTS OF TOLEDO

 

PEASANTS OF TOLEDO 

TOLEDO is the ancient capital of Spain, and far more worthy, both from its grand position and magnificent buildings, of that dignity than the more modern Madrid. The inhabitants of the city and the peasants of the neighborhood are a proud race, strong and well built, with handsome countenances and dark eyes; true types of the Castilian people. They have retained too very much of the old national costume, which is by degrees disappearing in other parts. The Spanish love of bright colours would be seen in the young man and woman- probably mother and son- in our picture. He with his scarlet jacket, perhaps bound with green, yellow waistcoat, blue velveteen breeches, straw hat, and red handkerchief underneath it; instead of shoes or boots,- pieces of cloth are tied round his feet. The woman too is still more gay, her gown is of brightest yellow, her apron crimson, the handkerchief on her head green or blue, and that round her neck of various glaring colours. 
Toledo is still famous for its arms, and the manu factory which has made the Toledan blades, so renowned throughout the world, still sends forth not only weapons of warfare, but cutlery of all kinds.

 J.F.C.

References:

American Chatterbox 1882