Straatverkoper met bezems c. 1736

"Straatverkoper met bezems" ("Street vendor with brooms") is an etching by Jacques Philippe Le Bas, dating back to c. 1736. This artwork depicts a street vendor pushing a cart filled with brooms while a small dog looks on. Le Bas, a renowned French artist, was known for his skill in etching and his depictions of everyday life. The print is housed in the Rijksmuseum and showcases the social realism of 18th-century art, capturing the humble realities of working-class individuals during this period. The meticulous detail and the stark contrast between the vendor's weary figure and the dog's playful stance add depth to the scene, inviting viewers to ponder the lives of those who navigated the bustling streets of 18th-century Europe.