Szenen vom Pferdemarkt in Frankfurt am Main 

Johann Heinrich Hasselhorst made this drawing of a horse market in Frankfurt am Main using pen and ink. While these are traditional materials, Hasselhorst's subject is far from the aristocratic or religious scenes often depicted in fine art. Instead, he captures a bustling marketplace, a hub of economic exchange. The choice of pen and ink allows for detailed linework, which enlivens the scene with a sense of immediacy and movement. Look closely, and you can see the artist's hand at work, rapidly sketching the figures and animals with varying line weights to create depth and texture. The density of lines and intricate details conveys the energy and chaos of the market. Consider the social context: horse markets were vital to the local economy and community life, especially prior to the rise of industrial manufacturing, signaling a shift towards a more modern, commercial society. Hasselhorst's drawing elevates this everyday scene to a work of art, blurring the lines between high art and the lived experiences of ordinary people, by paying attention to its labor. It reminds us that art can be found not only in grand historical narratives but also in the mundane details of daily life.