The wafer seller
A Symbol of Joy and Tradition
Among the most beloved and picturesque figures of Madrid, the wafer seller has been a symbol of joy and the city’s popular life. Dressed in his characteristic outfit, featuring a smock or loose shirt and a Castilian-style beret, the wafer seller walked the streets carrying his unmistakable wafer tin: a red cylindrical container with a little spinning wheel on the lid. This simple yet charming mechanism added a touch of excitement, inviting Madrileños, especially children, to try their luck and win one or more of those crispy cinnamon wafers that delighted young and old alike.
The wafer seller appeared at the most traditional fairs, plazas, and street festivals, like those of San Isidro and La Paloma, as well as iconic city spots like El Retiro and El Rastro. His ever-moving figure through the streets of Madrid marked the city’s daily rhythm, where each trade added its unique spark of color and warmth. With every spin of the wheel, Madrileños experienced a moment of excitement, a little adventure that made each wafer taste even sweeter.
Although the wafer seller’s tradition has evolved over time, his legacy lives on in Madrid’s memory and celebrations. The wafer seller reminds us of the simple joys and cultural richness that characterize the city—a cherished figure that connects us to a past where Madrid’s streets came to life with people who offered more than products: they offered moments to remember.
The Wafer Seller’s Christmas Morning Magic
On a Christmas morning that wrapped Madrid in soft light, with cobblestone streets filled with laughter and voices, the wafer seller made a stop, drawing children and onlookers with his cheerful voice and shiny red wafer tin. With each spin of the wheel, anticipation grew among the little ones, eagerly watching to see how many wafers they would win. A girl and a boy, with bright eyes and contained smiles, awaited their turn, enchanted by the game and the promise of a sweet prize.
The wafer seller, always with a smile, looked at the two children warmly and spun the wheel with a dramatic touch, making the children lean forward, fixated on the pointer’s motion. The wheel spun and spun, each turn building excitement, until it finally stopped at a lucky number. With a wink, the wafer seller handed them their wafers, and the children happily ran off to show their prize to their parents.
As the children left, the wafer seller looked over at the nativity scene where Mary, Joseph, and the newborn were surrounded by neighbors, uniting the community in a moment of peace and celebration. That little spot in the heart of Madrid, filled with familiar figures like the washerwoman, the water seller, and the flower girl, had transformed into a corner of solidarity and Christmas magic. Smiling, the wafer seller joined in, sharing his joy and his wafers with those around him, adding to a scene that celebrated the essence of Christmas: togetherness, sharing, and the warmth that turns the everyday into a true miracle.
Don’t miss the chance to add a piece of sweet history to your life!
Limited Edition:
#/24
- This figure is made exclusively to order; I don’t keep stock.
- Each piece is personally crafted as an original work of art, so delivery times may vary due to different factors. Once you place your order, I’ll provide you with an exact delivery date.
- Every piece is one-of-a-kind: signed, numbered, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. It also includes Intellectual Property registration to guarantee its value and originality.
Reproduced with the highest quality UV resin. Then, each figure is carefully hand-painted by myself.
with acrylic paint.
Rembrandt
from the prestigious Royal Talens house, ensuring the highest quality in every detail. Each brushstroke is an expression of my creativity and love for sculptural art, and each figure is a unique and authentic representation of my work, without the intervention of seconds or thirds. Don't settle for crafts, where you don't know who has reproduced or painted it; choose an authentic artwork, created by a sculptor with passion and dedication. Rembrandt acrylic paint is a high-quality artist's paint that meets the strict requirements of today's artists.
This acrylic paint is made with a high concentration of premium pigments that offer the highest degrees of lightfastness. Over 100 years of lightfastness under museum conditions.
Lightfastness has been tested according to ASTM D4303 standard.
Complete Acquisition Value - All Inclusive
All-Inclusive
- ✔ VAT
- ✔ Packaging with wooden box.
- ✔ Shipping.
- ✔ Transport Insurance.
| Height Scale | Scale 1/X | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | 1/16 | 300€ |
| 18 | 1/10 | 600€ |
If you're interested in another size or a figure made of terracotta or bronze, please contact me for more information. Also, if you have any questions about the creative process, I'm happy to share more details.
Warning! The values of the figures on the website are subject to change without notice due to their exclusivity and demand.
Order the figure of:
“The wafer seller”
Please note that this website is not an online store or a traditional art gallery. My collection of Madrid-style, castizo/Galdósian figures will be sold exclusively at the historic shop 'El Ángel,' which has over 150 years of experience in Sacred Art. To purchase one of these pieces, you can visit the 'El Ángel' shop in person or contact them through WhatsApp or their website. I'm also available if you have any questions and would be happy to help you learn more about the figures and how they're created.
C. de Esparteros, 3, Centro, 28012 Madrid
We invite you to visit the 'El Ángel' store to discover in person the exclusive collection of Madrilenian, traditional, and Galdosian-style figures. You’ll be able to appreciate each artistic detail up close and take home a unique piece full of history. Don’t miss the chance to see them in person!
