Porcelain Sale c. 1690 - 1713

"Porcelain Sale", an etching by Pieter Schenk, depicts two figures in a scene likely set in Asia, selling porcelain. The scene is captured in great detail, with the artist skillfully rendering the figures' clothing, the various shapes and sizes of the porcelain, and the tropical foliage surrounding the scene. This etching, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, exemplifies the Dutch fascination with East Asian goods and the burgeoning trade that brought these items to European markets. Schenk's work captures the moment of exchange, inviting viewers to imagine the interaction between the seller and the buyer and consider the cultural significance of the porcelain wares themselves.