Plate 6: people dancing in the street accompanied by musicians, from the series of customs and pastimes of the Spanish people 1850

Francisco Lameyer y Berenguer created this etching, “Plate 6,” part of a series capturing Spanish customs. The composition is alive with movement, thanks to Lameyer's use of line and form. Notice how he employs dense, rapid strokes to depict the energy of the dancers and musicians. This technique, coupled with the stark contrast between the dark, shaded areas and the white of the paper, accentuates the liveliness of the scene. The artist's use of perspective draws us into the bustling street, surrounded by onlookers. The series title suggests an interest in documenting and preserving cultural identity through art. As the 19th century was a time of political and social change, Lameyer's focus on customs and pastimes can be seen as a way to celebrate and preserve the traditions of Spanish culture.