The Hagglers 1947

This is a print called The Hagglers by Martin Friedman, made in 1947. I love the claustrophobic feel of this print, like you're right there, crammed into some dimly lit store, watching a transaction go down. It's all done in these tight, rhythmic lines that build up the forms. Imagine Friedman bent over his plate, carefully etching each mark, building up the shadows, making it all look like it's caught in a moment of negotiation. I wonder what was going through Friedman's mind as he made it, was he thinking about the dynamics of power, the dance of commerce, the silent language of exchange? The expressions on the faces are so intent, like the whole world hinges on this deal. It reminds me of some of the social realist prints from the '30s and '40s, but with Friedman's own quirky take. Artists are always looking at each other, riffing off each other, and pushing things forward. It’s all just one big conversation through time.