Nationalism and Otherness: the personifications of Castile and Galicia in Catalonia (1880-1936)

This article details how allegorical personifications of Castile and Galicia were used to boost Catalan nationalism in a visual sense and became the instrument of a political strategy in which the image had significant impact in establishing identities and intervening in political processes. The culture of 'dual patriotism' promoted and encouraged equality between what is Catalonian and what is Castillian, though Castile was seen as being opposed to such a model, with the promotion of Castillian values in Spain triggering a satirical reaction to her as an authoritarian figure. The involvement of women reflects the conflict in visions between Castile and Catalonia, with Galicia emerging as a young girl whom Catalonia guides and advises on the path towards self-government, all of which serves to illustrate new forms of relationships.