Aspergeverkoopster 1688 - 1724

This print was made by Jacob Gole in Amsterdam, sometime between 1660 and 1737. It depicts a woman selling asparagus, rendered through the incisive technique of engraving. Look closely and you’ll see how the controlled cuts of the burin create a rich variety of lines and textures. The linear precision contrasts with the subject matter, taken straight from the streets of Amsterdam. In fact, the print is from a series called “Stads-cryen” – street cries. The choice of engraving, traditionally associated with reproductive printmaking, emphasizes its accessibility. This print wasn't intended for a wealthy elite but for a broader audience, and its success depended on the skill of the engraver to capture a scene of labor and commerce. It shows how prints played a role in documenting everyday life. Ultimately, the image’s power resides not only in its artistic skill but also in its reflection of Dutch society, linking the visual arts to broader economic and cultural contexts.