Plate 2: a group of people in the street, possibly beggars, from the series of customs and pastimes of the Spanish people 1850

Francisco Lameyer y Berenguer made this etching, one of a series capturing the customs of the Spanish people. Here we find a group of people in the street, likely beggars, a subject as old as art itself. Observe how the central figure, a man with a hat, stands wrapped in cloth. This motif of the draped figure goes back centuries. We see it re-emerge in classical sculpture, where the folds of fabric suggest movement and life. Consider, for example, the ancient Roman sculptures of veiled figures—symbols of mourning, piety, or concealment. The fabric here is tattered, and it takes on a different meaning, suggesting vulnerability and poverty. The act of covering oneself can represent various psychological states: protection, shame, or transformation. Across cultures, we see similar gestures in religious and mythological narratives, as characters change identity or seek refuge. It is a powerful image that speaks to the human condition. The cyclical nature of poverty and the enduring need for compassion echo through time, reminding us of the timeless struggles depicted in art across the ages.