The life of Maruja Mallo was, in itself, an anachronism. The Spain into which she was born was not prepared for a woman as free and independent as she was. Transgressive in her way of living, speaking, and painting, her persona was a source of astonishment, indignation, and crossing oneself by a prudish society incapable of not being scandalized by her provocations. Although she cared little. Her original sin was being free, and her great talent was breaking with all schemes and conventions.