Photographic Print : Spain. First Carlist War. Ramabreras going

EDITORS COMMENTS

This evocative engraving depicts a poignant moment during the First Carlist War in Spain, which raged from 1833 to 1840. The conflict arose from the succession crisis following the abdication of King Ferdinand VII and the subsequent ascension of his liberal-leaning daughter, Isabella II, to the throne. The Carlist faction, led by Don Carlos, rejected Isabella's rule and sought to restore the traditionalist, absolutist regime. In this image, we see a group of Ramabreras, or Carlist soldiers, marching through a rural landscape. The men, dressed in their distinctive red berets and white shirts, carry muskets and other weapons, their faces etched with determination and resolve. The scene is set against the backdrop of a somber, wintery landscape, with trees barren of leaves and the sky overcast. The caption "Ramabreras going" suggests that this is a depiction of the soldiers on the move, perhaps heading to the front lines or returning from battle. The title of the engraving, "De Madrid, Wenceslao," indicates that it was produced in Madrid, the capital city of Spain, by the artist Wenceslao. The date, "16th February," suggests that the image was created relatively early in the conflict. The Ramabreras were an integral part of the Carlist army, and their loyalty to the cause was unwavering. Many of them were drawn from the rural areas of northern Spain, particularly Navarre and Aragon, and they were often motivated by a deep-seated opposition to the liberal reforms being imposed by the Isabelline government. The First Carlist War was marked by intense fighting and numerous atrocities, with both sides suffering heavy losses. This haunting image serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the enduring passion and conviction that drove the participants on both sides.