Broadside with 48 (24 pairs) scenes contrasting Spanish customs past and present 1866

This broadside from 1866, created by José María Marés, depicts 48 scenes contrasting Spanish customs of the past and present. Printed in Madrid, the lithograph presents a fascinating insight into the social and cultural anxieties of the time. Consider the rise of a middle class and the changing expectations around family, leisure, and social status. Each image, paired with its counterpart, invites us to reflect on the shifts occurring within Spanish society during this period. The piece critiques institutions through its humorous comparison of traditions. Was Spain self-consciously progressive, or conservative? Was this broadside part of a wider dialogue about modernity and national identity? To fully understand the piece, we can consult contemporary newspapers, social commentaries, and fashion trends of 19th-century Spain. By understanding the context, we can appreciate the broadside not only as a visual document but as a window into a society in transition.