Majismo was a historical Spanish subculture and aesthetic movement that flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, centered on the Majos (men) and Majas (women) of Madrid's working-class neighborhoods. The style is characterized by its flamboyant, traditionalist fashion and a proud, defiant attitude. It was a conscious expression of casticismo (an assertion of authentic, "pure" Spanish identity) in direct opposition to the French-influenced fashions and manners adopted by the Spanish aristocracy and upper classes.[1]
The aesthetic was most famously immortalized in the paintings of Francisco de Goya, whose works represented both the working-class members of the subculture and the aristocrats who later adopted their style.
History[]
The Majos and Majas emerged from the lower classes of Madrid, known for their distinct occupations (blacksmiths, carpenters, etc.) and their specific neighborhoods, like Lavapiés. They were characterized by a confident, provocative, and swaggering demeanor—bravado in the men and a daring, self-assured attitude in the women.[1]
Their style of dress was a powerful statement. At a time when the Spanish elite were imitating French Rococo fashions, the Majos and Majas deliberately wore colorful and elaborate versions of traditional Spanish clothing. This was a form of cultural and political resistance, a proud display of their national identity against foreign influence. The aesthetic became so seductive and popular that by the late 18th century, members of the aristocracy began to adopt the Majo style themselves, wearing more luxurious versions of the same garments as a fashion trend, a phenomenon also known as "Majismo."[2]
Legacy[]
The most lasting legacy of Majismo is its influence on the aesthetic of bullfighting. The traditional Majo costume evolved directly into the iconic traje de luces worn by toreros today.[1]
The aesthetic was also immortalized by the artist Francisco de Goya. His famous paintings, The Clothed Maja and The Nude Maja, are the most well-known depictions of the Maja figure. Furthermore, his series of tapestry cartoons frequently depicted Majos and Majas in everyday scenes, capturing their style, attitude, and central role in the popular culture of 18th-century Spain, forever linking their image to his name.
Fashion[]
The fashion of Majismo was colorful, elaborate, and designed to stand out.
Women (Majas)[]
The Maja look was a blend of traditional elements and a confident, provocative sensibility. Key garments included:
- A tight-fitting jacket or bodice (jubón) with a low neckline, often adorned with embroidery.
- A skirt (basquiña or guardapiés) that often revealed the ankles.
- The most iconic elements were worn on the head: the mantilla, a traditional lace or silk shawl, draped over a tall, ornamental comb called a peineta, which added height and drama to the silhouette.
- A fan (abanico) was an essential accessory, used for both cooling and flirtatious communication.
Men (Majos)[]
The Majo uniform was equally distinctive and ornate, and it served as the direct precursor to the modern bullfighter's suit of lights (traje de luces).[2] It consisted of:
- A short, tight-fitting jacket (chaquetilla), often heavily decorated.
- A colorful waistcoat (chaleco).
- Tight, knee-length breeches (calzón).
- A wide, colorful sash (faja) tied around the waist.
- A redecilla or cofia, a distinctive hairnet that gathered the hair at the back of the head.
Gallery[]
Under Construction
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Un fenómeno español; 'El Majismo'" on dieciochesco.blogspot.com (in Spanish)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Moda Goyesca.....'El MAJISMO'" on modadossiglosatras.blogspot.com (in Spanish)