Broadside with 48 scenes depicting memorable events in Spain until 1840 1864

José María Marés created this broadside of lithographic prints depicting memorable events in Spain until 1840. Popular prints like this one served a vital public function in 19th century Spain, disseminating cultural and political information to a broad audience. Here we see forty-eight scenes arranged in neat rows. They visualize a narrative of Spanish history. The images, though small, create meaning through their visual codes, referencing key historical events, figures, and cultural symbols. Spain in the 19th century was undergoing significant political upheaval. The broadside can be seen as an effort to define and solidify a national identity during a time of great change. Publishers like Marés played a key role in shaping public opinion through the distribution of such imagery. Further research into the specific historical context of each scene would help to understand its original meaning and significance. Examining the archives of the Marés publishing house might reveal more about its role in shaping popular culture and political discourse in Spain.