Broadside with 48 scenes relating to the life of General D. Baldomero Espartero 1862

This broadside, printed by Juan Llorens in Barcelona in 1862, uses a comic-strip format to narrate the life of General Baldomero Espartero. These 48 scenes offer a window into the political culture of 19th-century Spain. Espartero was a hugely influential figure, serving as Prime Minister and Regent. This broadside, likely sold to a wide public, demonstrates the effort to craft and disseminate a particular image of him. Notice the emphasis on military victories and key political moments. How do these images contribute to a carefully constructed narrative of leadership and national identity? What aspects of Espartero's life are omitted or downplayed? Understanding this image requires delving into the complex history of Spain during this period. Researching primary sources, such as newspapers and political pamphlets, can reveal the broader context in which this broadside was created and consumed. Considering the social and institutional forces at play allows us to understand the broadside not just as a biography, but as a cultural artifact that actively shapes public opinion.