The House of Osuna has its roots in the 15th century when its first titleholder, Infante Don Juan, was granted the title of Duke of Osuna. Over the centuries, this House distinguished itself at Court, among other things, for its closeness to the Crown and its influence on the political life of the country. This context of prominence translated into an interest in visual documentation that developed over time.
Photography, as both an artistic and documentary medium, began to gain popularity in the 19th century and quickly became a crucial tool for capturing and preserving the history of noble families. The House of Osuna, aware of the importance of imagery and visual representation, began to compile a photographic archive that reflects not only its own history but also the changes in Spanish society in general.
One of the most fascinating characteristics of the photographic archives of the House of Osuna is their diversity. Portraits range from early daguerreotypes to more contemporary photographs, encompassing key moments in the family's history. A notable example is the series of portraits of the dukes who have resided in the Palace of Osuna, a magnificent construction located in the town of Osuna, in the province of Seville. This palace, a gem of Andalusian Renaissance architecture, has witnessed the lives of its inhabitants as well as the aesthetic and cultural evolution of the region.