Nieuwjaarskaartenverkoopster 1800

Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki made this black chalk drawing titled ‘New Year's Card Seller’ sometime in the late 18th century. This piece gives us a glimpse into the traditions and societal structure of the time. Chodowiecki, who was from a family with Polish and Huguenot roots, lived in Berlin, and his works often depicted the lives of the middle class, providing a window into their everyday experiences. Here, we see a crowd gathered around a vendor, presumably purchasing cards to celebrate the New Year. This simple scene is rendered with careful detail, reflecting the artist’s keen observation and interest in the nuances of human interaction. Note the diversity in clothing and demeanor, subtly hinting at the different social strata present in the gathering. The image offers a personal and intimate view into a moment of collective anticipation, capturing the hopes and expectations that come with the turn of the year. It reminds us of our shared human experiences.