Plate 16: a group of people outdoors, including a man pouring wine or water from a vessel on his back, from the series of customs and pastimes of the Spanish people 1850

This is Plate 16 in a series called "Customs and Pastimes of the Spanish People," made by Francisco Lameyer y Berenguer sometime in the mid-19th century. This etching offers a glimpse into the daily life and social dynamics of 19th-century Spain. The series title itself suggests an interest in capturing the essence of Spanish identity. Lameyer, working during a period of social change and political upheaval, presents a scene that invites us to consider questions of community, labor, and leisure. The act of sharing a drink becomes a focal point for interaction and exchange. It suggests a moment of respite in a world filled with labor, a narrative that intersects with themes of class, gender, and the realities of daily existence. How does Lameyer depict the negotiations of community in this scene? By inviting viewers into this intimate gathering, Lameyer encourages us to reflect on our own understanding of culture. It's a moment to consider how identity is formed, negotiated, and represented within specific times and places.