ROYAL BAPTISM AT THE SPANISH COURT: ART AND RITUAL FROM THE 16TH TO 17TH CENTURIES

The christening of a child (heir or prince-infante) at the Spanish Court was a public demonstration of the king's power and the continuity of the dynasty. It was also a significant occasion for the nobility, given that the baptismal procession, celebrated both inside and outside the Royal Palace, was conceived as a mirror of the hierarchy at Court. The godfather was usually a relative of the child, but on occasion he could also be a member of the high nobility, selected for that dignity, and thus a very important role. A similar honor was granted to those Grandes de Espana assigned to carry the ritual objects. On this occasion both palace and church were specially decorated with rich furnishings and textiles.