Bruiloftsgasten vertrekken uit Burgos, Gonzalo Gustos blijft bij Ruy Velazquez terwijl de infanten doña Lambra naar Barbadillo begeleiden 1612

This engraving by Antonio Tempesta, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century, depicts wedding guests departing from Burgos. Note the figure of Doña Lambra being escorted towards Barbadillo. Observe how she rides under a parasol held by an attendant, a motif that speaks volumes. The parasol, beyond its practical use, is an age-old symbol of status and protection. We find it shading deities and rulers in ancient Egyptian art, reappearing in Byzantine iconography to denote imperial power. This motif, laden with historical weight, migrates across cultures and epochs. Its presence here tells us about Doña Lambra’s esteemed position. It acts as a visual echo of authority and reverence, perhaps unconsciously chosen by the artist to convey not just status, but a certain emotional distance or untouchability. Such symbols are not static; they evolve, accruing new layers of meaning with each reappearance. This continuous metamorphosis is fueled by collective memory and the deep currents of the human psyche.