Eierverkoopster en een heer 1806 - 1812

Editor: So, this drawing is called "Eierverkoopster en een heer," or "Egg Seller and a Gentleman," created sometime between 1806 and 1812 by Ludwig Gottlieb Portman. It’s done with pen, and what jumps out to me is the attention to detail in their clothing. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Well, it’s important to understand how Portman represents labor and social class through material depiction. The egg seller’s clothing is quite detailed, down to the patterned fabrics and the texture of her basket. It represents her economic role. The gentleman, however, is presented with different textures. Do you see how the pen strokes might indicate status here, highlighting finer materials for him versus the rougher depictions of the seller’s garments? Editor: I do. It's interesting how the materials shown in the drawing themselves speak to their place in society. What about the act of selling? Curator: Precisely. The very act of commerce is itself materialized through this interaction. Consider how Portman has made choices about which elements to highlight with his pen – he’s showing us the relationship between producer and consumer and it represents social dynamics, too. He asks us to question what objects and labor are valued. The drawing becomes a commodity itself. Does that change your understanding of the piece? Editor: It definitely makes me think more about who created this and why. It’s not just a snapshot, it's making a statement about society. Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about regarding materials, class and commerce in this piece.