Things are not always what they seem. Often layers of meaning are hidden in images, just waiting to be revealed. This photograph was taken at the Plaza del Cabildo, Sevilla, Spain. I was looking at vintage feria and travel posters in a display window, which reflected the Sunday morning market in the circular plaza behind me.
A courtyard behind a grilled ironwork gate a private residence, Barrio Santa Cruz, Sevilla.
A former convent school under renovation, with exposed brick and plaster walls and light pouring through a hole in the wall (upper left)
An intersection of Avenida de la de la Constitución is viewed through a cafe window. The ubiquitous iron grillwork is one of the features I most admire about Spanish and Moorish architecture.
The shadow of the Reales Alcázares de Sevilla (royal palace) falls on the Juderia, the quarter in Sevilla where Jewish residents once lived.
In March 1492, the Spanish monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella ordered Jewish citizens to convert to Catholicism or leave Spain. The king and queen expelled some 200,000 Jews from Spain, guaranteeing them safe passage within a four-month period.
Tragically, many refugees were murdered while attempting to flee. Some ship captains demanded high travel fees, then dumped Jewish passengers overboard in the Atlantic Ocean. As rumours spread that wealthy Jews had swallowed gold and jewels, many were knifed to death.
It was the same month the Spanish rulers gave the edict for Cristóbal Colón (as the Spanish refer to Christopher Columbus) to embark on his voyage of exploration to the Indies. In his initial diary entry on the voyage, the Italian explorer referenced the shocking expulsions.
Wow, I have never heard this horribly sad information before now. Truly horrible, tragic.
Posted by: Alexandra | 14 January 2012 at 18:38
Wonderful layers of imagery, Tara!
I never knew about the Jewish persecution in Spain - simply horrifying.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 14 January 2012 at 17:58
I didn't know about Christopher Columbus journal entry. Yes, iron work is so beautiful and love the reflection in the first photo. Happy weekend.
Posted by: Marilyn | 14 January 2012 at 16:12
The iron work is stunning. Created by true artists.
Posted by: Mary H. | 13 January 2012 at 15:30