A Poultry Seller c. 1759

Paul Sandby’s drawing "A Poultry Seller" presents a detailed study of a common street vendor, rendered with ink and grey wash on paper. The composition centres on the figure, whose form and weary expression are meticulously captured. Notice the artist's attention to the seller’s posture, weighed down by cages. The lines defining the figure are firm, yet the grey wash softens the overall effect, creating a sense of depth and volume. Sandby’s technique calls attention to the material conditions of the seller, whose labour is etched into every line and shadow. The neutral palette focuses our attention on the structural arrangement and the implied narrative of daily toil. How does the artist use a subdued palette to draw attention to the social realities of 18th-century street life? Sandby is not just depicting a figure but engaging with broader societal themes.