Broadside with 48 scenes depicting miracles and scenes associated by Monserrat (Barcelona) 1868

This 19th-century broadside by Antonio Bosch presents a visual compendium of 48 scenes associated with Montserrat, near Barcelona. The composition is structured by a grid, each cell containing a vignette rendered in detailed, almost documentary style, employing the stark contrast of black ink on a pale ground. The sheer number of images creates a dense, patterned surface, inviting a reading that moves across individual narratives. The deployment of such repetition—echoing the format of religious prints and popular ephemera—works to amplify the spiritual and cultural significance of Montserrat as a site of miracles and devotion. The scenes depict historical and legendary events, offering viewers not just a record but a visual taxonomy of Montserrat’s sacred history. The grid imposes a kind of egalitarianism, where each miracle or scene is given equal visual weight, collectively constructing the identity and power of Montserrat. This broadside functions as both a historical record and a testament to enduring faith.