Sheet 15 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets 1859

This is Sheet 15 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets, printed in Barcelona in 1859 by Juan Llorens. It was a time when European society was fascinated by the exoticism of the East. Shadow puppetry wasn't new, but the commercialisation of the craft was. This print is a catalogue of characters, sold as a set for families to put on shows at home. The figures themselves offer a fascinating reflection of the social realities of 19th century Spain. We see an intriguing mix of characters, from stately figures to common laborers, as well as images of transport and wildlife. The image of a steamboat is particularly interesting, reflecting the rise of industrial technologies and global trade routes. The inclusion of 'Chinese' in the title, meanwhile, tells us something about orientalism in the West. As art historians, we can dive deeper by researching popular entertainment in 19th century Spain, from theatre to fairs. We can also explore the rise of print culture and mass production, which made art more accessible. By considering the economic and cultural factors behind these shadow puppets, we can appreciate their value as objects that reflect a specific time and place.