José Echegaray y Eizaguirre was a Spanish engineer, playwright, politician, and mathematician. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1904, shared with Frédéric Mistral, for his extensive and varied dramatic production which, in an original and independent manner, revived the great traditions of Spanish drama. His work is characterized by late romanticism and moral symbolism, addressing themes such as honor, duty, and sacrifice. He was director of public works, Minister of Public Works, and Minister of Finance. His public life was as relevant as his literary career.