Mercante 1598

This print, titled "Mercante" by Christoph Krieger, encapsulates the visual culture surrounding commerce in its time. The image presents a figure identified as a merchant, framed by ornate decorations which indicate a book or a series. It's important to consider how the identity of the merchant is constructed through clothing and pose. The fur-lined coat, the peculiar hat, and the confident stance all speak to a certain level of affluence and social standing. But this image does more than just depict; it performs a role, solidifying the merchant as a key figure in the societal imagination. The very act of portraying a ‘merchant’ underscores the growing importance of trade and economic exchange. Krieger’s work invites us to consider the emotional and social implications tied to commercial activities, and how this profession was viewed and valued during its time.