Caricatures of a Fish and a Bird Peddler in Ornamental Frames 1735 - 1788

"Caricatures of a Fish and a Bird Peddler in Ornamental Frames" (1735-1788) by Johann Esaias Nilson is a pair of drawings depicting exaggerated figures of a fish peddler and a bird peddler, surrounded by elaborate, swirling Rococo-style ornamentation. The drawings, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcase Nilson's skill in capturing the essence of his subjects with humor and detail, creating a lively and playful visual experience. The use of ink and wash adds depth and texture to the figures and their surroundings, emphasizing the dynamic composition of the artwork.