Peddler of Knives, Scissors and Combs 1742

Anne Claude Philippe Caylus created this print of a peddler with knives, scissors, and combs sometime in the first half of the 18th century. It’s an image that invites us to consider the world of work and commerce in France at that time. This image is more than just a portrait of a traveling salesman. It represents a whole segment of the population. Consider how his clothing, his tools, and his posture communicate his social standing. Is he prosperous or just scraping by? The print was made at a time when the French economy was undergoing significant changes, as new forms of manufacturing and trade were developing. The image subtly comments on the traditional ways of life, and perhaps even questions the place of people like the peddler in an emerging modern economy. As historians, we can delve into archives, census records, and trade regulations to understand the lives of the working class in 18th century France, giving this image greater meaning. By understanding its context, we start to see the artwork as more than just a picture.