Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new 1920

Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale painted 'Fine knacks for ladies, cheap, choice, brave and new', depicting a peddler with his wares surrounded by curious women. The term "knacks" refers to small, ornamental articles, symbols of domestic life and personal adornment. These objects, seemingly trivial, evoke the broader societal role of women and the economic activities of the time. Note the peddler, carrying figurines on his head. This iconography extends back to ancient times, where gods were paraded, embodying communal beliefs and values. Here, these figures are miniaturized and commodified, yet still carry a trace of their potent origins. Consider, too, the beads around the peddler’s neck. Once symbols of prayer, status, or magical protection, they now dangle as mere adornments, their sacred power diluted by commerce. Yet, our subconscious may still recognize them, eliciting a primal connection to ancient practices. The painting stirs the collective memory, revealing how symbols, though altered and repurposed, continue to resonate, subtly shaping our perceptions and desires.