Plate 11: four street vendors from Madrid selling different kinds of fish, from 'Los Gritos de Madrid' (The Cries of Madrid) 1809 - 1817

Miguel Gamborino created this print, Plate 11 from 'The Cries of Madrid', around the turn of the 19th century, depicting four street vendors selling fish. This work fits within the tradition of ‘cries’ prints, popular across Europe, which documented the diverse occupations and everyday life of urban centers. Gamborino's print offers insights into the socio-economic structure of Madrid at the time. The vendors, each selling different types of fish, represent a segment of the working class striving to make a living in a bustling city. The work captures the essence of a pre-industrial economy, where individual vendors played a crucial role in the distribution of goods. The presence of street vendors also suggests a certain level of economic inequality, with many people resorting to self-employment to survive. To better understand this print, historians might consult period documents such as market records, census data, and travelers' accounts. Such sources could reveal more about the vendors' lives, their economic challenges, and their place in the broader social fabric of Madrid. Ultimately, this artwork reminds us that artistic meaning is always shaped by social and institutional contexts.