Blog - Guides for the DGT Exam
Complete articles and detailed guides to help you pass the theoretical exam for license B.
Social rituals and etiquette
Social rituals and etiquette have reflected the evolution of human civilization, showcasing the norms and values of each era. From ancient Greece, where symposia brought citizens together, to the Middle Ages, where court etiquette was crucial for order and power, these rituals have held a profound significance that transcends formality.
The patronage of the Dukes of Osuna in Spanish theater.
The patronage of the Dukes of Osuna was crucial in the development of Spanish theater during the Golden Age. Their influence intensified in the 17th century, particularly through the third duke, Don Pedro de Alcántara, who promoted the dramatic arts and attracted playwrights such as Lope de Vega and Calderón de la Barca. The theatrical performances at his court became prominent events, reflecting the cultural values of the time.
Frescoes and murals in palaces and chapels
Frescoes and mural paintings have been crucial in the artistic history of Spain, renowned for their ability to narrate history, religion, and culture. Technically, frescoes developed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, serving to educate and beautify spaces such as palaces and chapels. Notable examples include the frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo in the Royal Palace of Madrid.
Summer residences of the Dukes of Osuna
The summer residences of the Dukes of Osuna are a reflection of the history of Spanish nobility, merging architecture and art with social and political power. Since the 15th century, this family has been notable for its influence, reaching its peak in the 18th century. The Palace of Osuna and the Palace of la Alameda are examples of their commitment to culture and architectural splendor.
Curiosidades de la nobleza española: el Capricho que devoró fortunas
El jardín del Capricho, levantado desde 1787, costó cantidades astronómicas y se diseñó como parque de poder.
Spanish noble lineages and the mystique of the Osuna: Power, romance, and tragedy.
The Dukes of Osuna, a Spanish noble lineage established in 1568, symbolize the grandeur and decline of the nobility. Dominant in Andalusia, their fortune was built through political cunning and strategic marriages. Their opulent lifestyle, described by Quevedo, included lavish banquets and extravagant parties, and their marital alliances with other noble families strengthened their power while also generating tensions and conflicts at court.
Sponsorship of musical works and composers
Sponsorship has been crucial in the evolution of music, from the Middle Ages to the modern era. Initially, churches and courts supported composers, promoting sacred music. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, European courts became cultural centers, allowing musicians like Bach and Handel to thrive. This financial and social support has influenced musical creation and dissemination throughout history.
Literary salons at the Palace of Osuna
Literary salons, such as those at the Palace of Osuna in Seville, were key cultural spaces since the 15th century, where artists and thinkers gathered. During the 18th century, Duchess María Josefa de la Cerda y Silva fostered this intellectual environment, transforming the palace into a refuge for debating Enlightenment ideas. Literature, politics, and art were shared there, attracting figures like Moratín and Goya.
The so-called 'wasteful duke': life and extravagance in the 17th century.
The Duke of Gandía, Don Álvaro de Bazán y Sánchez de Mendoza, known as the "wasteful duke," lived in the 17th century, a period of splendor and decline in Spain. Coming from a noble family, his life revolved around luxury and excessive consumption, ignoring the military legacy of his ancestors. His story reflects the complex society of an aristocracy caught between tradition and economic crisis.
Linajes nobles españoles: Ángela María y la recomposición del poder
Ángela María Téllez-Girón, XV duquesa, tejió nuevas alianzas entre 1948 y 1980 para mantener vivo el apellido.
Architecture and Heritage: The Legacy of the House of Osuna in Its Palaces and Gardens
The House of Osuna, established in 1460, has left an important architectural and cultural legacy in Andalusia. Founded by Pedro Téllez-Girón, its influence is evident in its palaces and gardens, which reflect the nobility's opulence and the evolution of Spanish architecture. The Dukes of Osuna were also patrons of artists, contributing to the cultural flourishing of their time.
Conservation and restoration of heritage
The conservation and restoration of heritage have gained relevance in recent decades, not only for their artistic value but also for their ability to tell the story and identity of a people. From Antiquity to the Renaissance, the modern notion of conservation has evolved. In the 19th century, theories on restoration emerged, highlighting figures like Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who advocated for a creative approach to this process.
Dandyism in the Spanish Aristocracy: How the Osunas Established Their Style
In the 18th century, dandyism reached its peak in the Spanish aristocracy, with the Dukes of Osuna standing out as a noble family of immense wealth and ostentatious lifestyle. Their fortune came from vast estates and mining enterprises. They lived in extreme luxury, organizing lavish banquets and extravagant parties, while their duchess devoted herself to choosing haute couture outfits. However, they also faced rivalries and tensions with other aristocratic houses.
Dandyism in the Aristocracy: The Impact of the Dukes of Osuna on Fashion
Dandyism in the Spanish aristocracy, symbolized by the Dukes of Osuna, marked a milestone in 18th and 19th-century fashion. The third duke, Don Pedro de Alcántara Téllez-Girón, stood out for his luxurious attire and his quest for perfection. His style influenced the European elite, becoming a benchmark for ostentation. In addition to their impact on fashion, the Osunas owned vast lands and a splendid palace.
Education of the Dukes' children
The education of the children of the Spanish nobility, especially the dukes, reflected the social and cultural context of their time. It focused on preparing them for their family and social responsibilities, with a strong sense of exclusivity. From a young age, they were trained to lead and manage, receiving a formal education that included conventional subjects and elite disciplines, as well as practical skills like fencing and horseback riding.
Historical textiles: tapestries, curtains, and rugs.
Textile production in Spain has been key to its cultural history, reflecting social and economic transformations between the 13th and 18th centuries. Tapestries, in particular, became symbols of status, adorning palaces and churches. The Royal Tapestry Factory of Madrid, established in 1720, was renowned for its quality and for commissioning works from artists like Goya, thus conveying the greatness of the Spanish Empire.
Riqueza de los Osuna: arrendamientos andaluces al borde del colapso
Los arrendamientos agrícolas de la Casa de Osuna en Andalucía sostuvieron lujo y también precipitaron su ruina.
Conflicts and litigation of the House of Osuna
The House of Osuna, a prominent lineage of Spanish nobility founded in the 15th century, has faced numerous conflicts and legal disputes related to inheritances and social power. Since its elevation to the status of dukes in 1542, its influence in Andalusia has grown, reflected in the construction of institutions and monuments. However, ambition and family disputes have marked its history.
The participation of the Dukes in 18th century Spanish politics.
The participation of the dukes in 18th-century Spanish politics reflected a complex relationship between the nobility and the monarchy, especially following the arrival of Philip V and the Bourbon absolutism. Despite the king's attempts to centralize power, the dukes, such as the Duke of Medinaceli, maintained significant influence in administration and strategic decisions, both on the peninsula and in the colonies.
Pedro Téllez-Girón, the first Duke of Osuna: life and legacy
Pedro Téllez-Girón, the first Duke of Osuna, was a prominent aristocrat of the Spanish Renaissance. Born in 1550, he distinguished himself in military and political service, becoming a count and later a duke due to his loyalty to the crown. His court at the Palace of Osuna became an important cultural center, reflecting the splendor and tensions of his time.