Broadside with 48 scenes from the 'century of the wigs' 1855 - 1875

Antonio Bosch created this broadside with 48 scenes from the ‘century of the wigs’ in the late 19th century. Its most striking feature is its structured grid, an array of small, box-like compartments, each containing a vignette rendered in stark lines and contrasting shades. The composition teeters between order and chaos. Each scene, though self-contained, contributes to a larger narrative that seems to satirize societal norms and values. Bosch’s work challenges fixed meanings. Everyday scenes coexist with grotesque and bizarre imagery, creating a sense of instability and questioning the very fabric of the world. The semiotic system employed here leans heavily on caricature and symbol, inviting us to decode the cultural codes embedded within. Notice how the line work, though simple, conveys texture and depth? It is not just aesthetically pleasing, but a crucial element in Bosch’s critique of his era. The broadside serves as a mirror reflecting a society in flux, inviting viewers to reassess their place within its ever-shifting boundaries.