The mantilla in art

The mantilla has been depicted in paintings very beautifully. 

These paintings show real femininity and humility. 

May we always wear our mantillas with reverence and piety, knowing we are doing so for the glory of God and so He can increase and we can decrease.

A lady at prayer.

Enshrouding the face to enable concentration in prayer.

A more traditional style mantilla.

Beautiful red veil.

Pretty in Pink!

Mantillas come in all shapes and sizes, and all colours. I think it is quite lovely to wear a matching mantilla. At Weddings bridesmaids look especially beautiful in them, as below.

Little bridesmaid Lucia looking beautiful in a bright pink mantilla and matching basket - I love the contrast of the sunny orange dress!

Kiara, Lucia's older sister also looking stunning in a pink mantilla too.

The brightly coloured mantillas look lovely on these young ladies too- I love the orange bouquet!

The Mother of the two darling girls above, Mary, looking pretty in pink. 

Black or white?

Which colour should one's mantilla be? Traditionally it has always been white for infants and the unmarried and black for married women and widows. 

Of course a lady may wear any colour and some even wear beautiful bright coloured veils, or liturgical colours- blue for Our Lady, gold or silver for Our Lord. 

A pretty little lady in a prayerful poise, wearing a white lace mantilla.

Young girls wearing pastel coloured mantillas and a lady wearing a black veil. 

There is no 'colour code' and this deep red mantilla is glorious on any age!

A stunning collection of coloured mantillas.

"Modesty in a woman is the sign

that Jesus Christ dwells in her heart.  

It is a sweet perfume of edification 

which she is called upon to diffuse."

Eyes toward Heaven

It is believed that not only do mantillas help one's humility towards God in a physical way, but also in a spiritual manner. When a lady is veiled she is more inclined to feel directed towards everything holy. This piece of material enshrouds her and she is able for that hour or so to leave her earthly thoughts behind and set her eyes upon Heaven.

The mantilla helps to concentrate on the sacred.

Heart upon God.

Praying at Holy Mass unaware of her surroundings.