De visboer 1636 - 1687

"De visboer" (The Fishmonger) is a black chalk drawing created by Jacob Esselens, a Dutch artist who lived from 1626 to 1687. The drawing depicts a lively scene of bartering for fish in a wooded area, showcasing Esselens' keen observation of everyday life in 17th-century Holland. The composition is dynamic, with figures interacting around a basket of fish, while a small dog wanders in the foreground. Esselens captures the details of dress and gesture with precision, adding to the realism of the scene. The drawing's small size, measuring 188 mm in height and 248 mm in width, suggests that it may have been a study or a preparatory sketch for a larger work.