Broadside with 48 scenes relating to the zarzuela barberillo of Lavapiés 1855 - 1865

This broadside of 48 scenes relating to the zarzuela 'barberillo of Lavapiés' was produced by Antonio Bosch in late nineteenth-century Spain. The 'zarzuela' was a popular form of Spanish musical theatre, often with spoken dialogue as well as singing. They were staged in public theatres but also circulated as affordable printed media to be consumed at home, like this one. The scenes illustrate the narrative, but also stand as a testimony to the zarzuela's popularity. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural life of Spain at the time. Lavapiés was a working-class neighbourhood in Madrid known for its vibrant street life, and the 'barberillo,' or little barber, likely refers to a popular character or archetype from the period. Historians would want to know more about Antonio Bosch, his printmaking studio, and the cultural institutions that supported the production and distribution of these kinds of images. By studying the images, we can better understand the meaning and significance of this popular art form.