Broadside with 48 scenes of the life of the Virgin 1868

José Noguera created this broadside with 48 scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary, likely sometime in the 19th century. These kinds of prints circulated widely in countries like Spain, and were especially important in colonial contexts in the Americas. They served a vital purpose for a largely illiterate population. The images narrate episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary, from the Annunciation to the Assumption, shaping religious understanding through a pictorial vernacular. The format is reminiscent of earlier emblem books and devotional prints, adapted for mass consumption in the age of print. It's worth remembering that the Catholic Church has historically played a dominant role in shaping cultural values and that institutional role is re-iterated here, presenting a particular interpretation of the Virgin's life. To understand such a work more fully, historians consult not only art historical sources but also religious texts, social histories of 19th-century Spain, and studies of popular culture. This helps us appreciate the complex interplay of faith, art, and society.