An exploration of women's involvement in the Latin American Wars of Independence

Mariano Galván

Gender:Male

Ethnic origen: White

Events:

Connections:

Biography:
He was editor of Calendario de las Señoritas Mejicanas in 1840.

Calderón de la Barca found this publication “very amusing” and quotes from the preface: “To none better than to Mexican ladies, can I dedicate this mark of attention - (obsequio). Their graceful attractions well deserve any trouble that may have been taken to please them. Their bodies are as graceful as the palms of the desert, their hair black as ebony, or golden as the rays of the sun, gracefully waves over their delicate shoulders; their glances are like the peaceful light of the moon. The Mexican ladies are not so white as the Europeans, but their whiteness is more agreeable to our eyes. Their words are soft, leading our hearts by gentleness, in the same manner as in their moments of just indignation they appal and confound us. Who can resist the magic of their song, always sweet, always gentle, and always natural? Let us leave to foreign ladies (las ultra-marinas) these affected and scientific manners of singing; here nature surpasses art, as happens in everything, notwithstanding the cavillings of the learned.” The editor “submissively entreats” Mexican women “to receive with benevolence this small tribute due to their enchantments and their virtues”. (Calderón de la Barca, 234.)

References:

Calderón de la Barca, Frances (1982) Life in Mexico