Broodverkoper 1660

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli created this etching of a bread seller in Italy in the late 17th or early 18th century. The print is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the economic realities of the time. Notice the weight of the bread basket on the seller's back, contrasting with the almost elegant carafe he holds. Consider this image in the context of its time. Italy was not yet a unified nation and different regions had distinct economic systems. Bologna, where Mitelli lived, was known as an important center for agriculture and trade. What role did street vendors play in that economy? Prints like these offer a snapshot of the social hierarchy. While wealthy patrons commissioned large-scale history paintings, prints made art accessible to a wider audience, creating an opportunity to depict everyday life and perhaps even comment on social inequalities. To fully understand this print, we could delve into Bolognese history, consult economic records, and analyze other visual representations of labor from that era. Only then can we truly grasp the social commentary embedded within this seemingly simple image.