Verkoper van metalen keukenspullen 1660

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli created this etching of a metal kitchenware salesman sometime before 1718. The fine lines that define the figure and his wares were created by incising into a metal plate, inking it, and then running it through a press. Look closely, and you can see the sheer variety of the metal goods he carries: keys, spoons, graters, and cookware, all suspended from a rack. These are the tools of everyday life, essential to food preparation and domestic upkeep. Notice how Mitelli emphasizes the weight of the objects and the physical toll on the vendor. The man's posture and expression speak to the labor involved in producing, transporting, and selling these essential items. Mitelli elevates the status of both the craftsperson and the vendor, acknowledging their contribution to the cycle of consumption, and blurring the lines between art, craft, and labor.