Trödeljud (Jewish Peddler)
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1775
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows a man in old-fashioned clothes, standing on a street. He’s holding a wide-brimmed hat in one hand and gesturing with the other, like he’s talking to someone. Behind him, a bundle of sticks and a few rolled-up items sit on the ground, maybe his wares. His coat is dark, his stockings are plain, and his expression looks thoughtful. The title calls him a "Jewish Peddler," which hints this might be about daily life in the 1700s. The artist used a mix of lines to create shadows and texture, typical of the time. Next, check out the technique: etching.