Verkoper van droogwaren met meisje en hond 1660

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli's etching, "Verkoper van droogwaren met meisje en hond" (1660), depicts a man carrying a large load of goods on his back, accompanied by a young girl and a dog. The intricate detail of the man's burdened figure and the accompanying figures creates a sense of realism. This satirical artwork is an example of the 17th-century Italian Baroque style, known for its dramatic use of light and shadow, and its emphasis on human emotion. The etching serves as a commentary on the struggles of the working class in the Italian society, highlighting the difficulties they faced in their everyday lives. The inscription in the lower part of the etching adds to the overall message of the artwork, suggesting a comparison between the burdens of the man and the weight of the world.