The Market-Woman c. 1542

"The Market-Woman" is a small-scale engraving by German Renaissance artist Sebald Beham, dating back to around 1542. The intricate detail in this artwork is remarkable given its miniature dimensions. The composition features a market woman depicted in meticulous detail, carrying a rake and a bundle, while holding onions in her hand. This print, now in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, offers a glimpse into everyday life during Beham's time. The artist's use of hatching and cross-hatching, evident in the woman's clothing and the surrounding objects, adds a sense of depth and texture to the image.