Augurkenverkoper 1800 - 1841

Editor: Right now we're looking at Joannes Bemme's "Augurkenverkoper," which roughly translates to "Pickle Seller", a drawing created with ink, sometime between 1800 and 1841. The vendor's expression definitely leans into caricature. It feels…judgmental, almost, towards the two children. What do you make of it? Curator: Oh, he's got a face only a pickled onion could love, doesn't he? But, you know, it’s interesting you say "judgmental," because caricature walks a tightrope. On one hand, it’s humour, exaggerating features for comedic effect. On the other hand – especially back then – it’s social commentary. Bemme is probably commenting on poverty. Those kids, are they reaching for the pickles, or are they recoiling? And that’s where the juicy stuff bubbles to the surface: power, class, hunger... even desperation. It tickles my funny bone, but it also makes me feel…slightly complicit? Editor: I see what you mean. It's like a laugh that gets stuck in your throat. The way you pointed out how he may be using the comedic effects to bring to light the topic of poverty, made me change my initial perspective of him as judgmental to the situation. Curator: Exactly! It’s a dance, isn’t it? Art constantly invites us to waltz between observation and empathy. Makes you wonder what stories those pickled gherkins could tell, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely! Thank you for this perspective, now, instead of judgment I feel the work evokes something like... recognition. Curator: Precisely. Next time you spot a caricature, remember that hidden invitation to dance. You might be surprised who – or what – leads.