A monk from the order of Barbones
ca. 1848
Francisco 'Pancho' Fierro captured this striking character in Lima in September 1848, documenting a monk from the Order of Barbones. The name 'Barbones' literally means 'big beards' in Spanish, a fitting title for the fellow's impressive facial hair peeking out from under a dramatically wide-brimmed hat with dangling tassels. Clad in a sweeping black cloak adorned with a colorful emblem, this figure is a classic example of costumbrismo art, which focused on recording local customs and everyday people. Fierro was essentially the 19th-century equivalent of a street photographer, creating hundreds of these lively portraits to preserve the unique cast of characters in Peruvian society.