During the Ancien Régime, kings and monarchs enjoyed the status of absolute sovereigns (Absolute Monarchy), concentrating all powers under their command. This image depicts the greatness of the Spanish Crown as a star as powerful as the sun (at the top). The central part reads: “Never has the Spanish monarch known a shadow in his empire, which shines brighter in both hemispheres than the sun itself”. In the lower part, supported by two lions, we can see the representation of the earth, divided into two hemispheres. The drawing represents the power enjoyed by the Spanish Empire during the Modern Age, the most notable period being from the end of the 16th century to the middle of the 17th century, during the reigns of Philip II, Philip III and Philip IV. During the reign of Philip II it was said that “the sun never set on the Empire”, as it was sufficiently dispersed to always have some area with sunlight. This empire had its nerve centre in Madrid, the seat of the Court, with Seville being the fundamental point from which the overseas possessions were organised.

Collection: Images

Project: 5. Power and powers in the history of Europe: oligarchies, political participation and democracy.

Chronology: XVIII

Scope: Primary Education, Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: http://pares.mcu.es/ParesBusquedas20/catalogo/show/18541?nm

Resource type: Image

Format: Stamp

Source: Archivo General de Indias. Mapas, planos, documentos iconográficos y documentos especiales. Estampas.

Language: Spanish

Date: 1761

Owner: María del Mar Felices de la Fuente (Modernalia)

Identifier: ES.41091.AGI//MP-ESTAMPAS,196

Copyright: MECD. Archivos Estatales (España)

Abstract: Image representative of the greatness of Spain and its monarchy.

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