Straatverkoper van brillen 1805 - 1871

Jacob Plügger created this print, "Straatverkoper van brillen," or "Street Vendor of Spectacles," at an unknown date using etching. The image depicts a man who sells spectacles, presumably door to door, which was common during the 19th century. During this period the rise of industrial capitalism changed the way goods and services were distributed. This print captures the social and economic changes of the time by depicting a figure that belongs to a burgeoning urban landscape. Beyond the economic aspect, the image also hints at themes of class and identity; the vendor's attire and accessories subtly distinguish him within the social hierarchy of the time. What is remarkable about this piece is how it captures a moment in time when commerce and everyday life were deeply intertwined. It reminds us that the way we shop and consume reflects broader societal shifts, then and now.