The Market Peasant c. 1542

"The Market Peasant," a 16th-century engraving by Sebald Beham, depicts a man in a hat and simple garb, standing with his wares. He carries a knife, a staff, and a banner that reads, "We sell." The image, with its meticulous detail and realistic portrayal, provides a glimpse into the life of a commoner in 16th-century Europe. This engraving is characteristic of Beham's work, which often focused on everyday scenes and figures from lower social classes. The print's small size and intimate scale, typical of the period, further contributes to its sense of immediacy. "The Market Peasant" is now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.