Scharenslijper 1660

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli created this etching of a 'Scharenslijper', or knife sharpener, sometime between 1634 and 1718. The image provides us with a glimpse into the life of the working class in Italy during the 17th and 18th centuries. The print depicts a tradesman diligently sharpening a blade. Here we see an individual who is quite literally 'making his mark' in society. During this period, the ability to practice a trade was essential for one’s social mobility. The grindstone itself, a symbol of labor, hints at the cycle of work and the daily grind that defined the lives of many. Mitelli doesn't shy away from representing the physical nature of labor, but at the same time, he doesn't portray it as devoid of dignity. Mitelli's image invites us to reflect on the intersection of labor, identity, and social status in early modern Europe. It reminds us that the narratives of ordinary people are just as vital to understanding history as those of the elite.