In 1649, the Great Plague of Seville struck, resulting in a highly destructive epidemic of bubonic plague that reduced the population of this prominent Spanish imperial hub by half. The outbreak had devastating social and economic consequences, leading to widespread fear and disruption. The Great Plague of Seville serves as a historical reminder of the impact of infectious diseases on urban centers and the challenges of public health management.

The Great Plague of Seville accelerated the decline of the Spanish Golden Age, infusing late-baroque poetry with a cynical focus on mortality. Poets like Luis de Góngora reflected on the fragility of life, shaping a literary response to the societal impact of the epidemic.