1651
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Peddler is a 1651 ink by Wenceslaus Hollar, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This black-and-white print shows a chaotic scene with a skeleton holding a spear, attacking a man who’s carrying a bundle. The man looks terrified, his arms raised in panic. Around them, a dog sniffs the ground, and a small child clutches a stick. At the bottom, another skeleton lies sprawled out, while two classical figures stand frozen in the sides like silent witnesses. The Latin text at the bottom reads *"Venite ad me omnes qui laboratis"*—which means *"Come to me all who labor."* It’s a nod to hardship and struggle, fitting the grim mood. Next, check out etching to see how artists like Hollar made detailed prints like this.
Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.
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