Broom Peddler 1737

Anne Claude Philippe Caylus's "Broom Peddler" (1737) depicts a woman, possibly a street vendor, seated with a basket of brooms. This etching, a technique where acid is used to create the image on a metal plate, shows the woman's weary expression and emphasizes the everyday reality of her work. The image likely reflects the social hierarchy of the time, as the woman's clothing and posture suggest a lower socioeconomic status. The inscription "Balais Balais" directly translates to "Brooms Brooms," highlighting the subject matter and her profession.