Peddler of refreshing beverages, walking toward the left side 1581

Melchior Lorck made this print of a beverage peddler in 1581, using the technique of engraving. The linear precision of the engraving beautifully captures the details of the peddler's clothing and wares. Note how the parallel lines create shadows and volume, giving depth to the figure. This print wasn't just about aesthetics. Lorck was fascinated by different cultures, having traveled extensively in the Ottoman Empire. The choice of engraving, a meticulous and time-consuming process, speaks to the labor involved not only in the printmaking, but also in the peddler's daily work of selling refreshments. Lorck's image invites us to consider the social context of 16th-century commerce and cross-cultural exchange. By focusing on the materials and processes, we gain insight into the intricate connections between art, labor, and society.