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Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London, c1820
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Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London, c1820
Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London, c1820. A rowdy scene at Smithfield cattle market with the wife for sale tied by a rope around her waist to a rail in the centre. She doesn t seem unduly concerned at the prospect of being sold and stands with her legs apart, hands on one hip. A man brandishing an ale-mug dances beside her; the man on the right - possibly her husband - holds up one hand for attention. At left a chimney sweep empties soot on the crowd, with a Jewish seller of old clothes approaching. At right an angry woman grabs a man. The dome of St Pauls Cathedral is visible in the distance
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Media ID 15170496
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Anger Angry Chimney Sweep Disorder Drunk Drunkenness Fear Fury Humiliated Humiliation Leering Market Matthias Noisy Rage Rowdy Sell Seller Selling Sexism Sexist Smithfield Market Street Life Aquatint Degradation Degrading Leer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London, c1820. This print captures a rowdy scene at the bustling Smithfield cattle market in 19th century London. In the center of the frame, a wife is shockingly tied by a rope around her waist to a rail, seemingly undisturbed by the prospect of being sold. With legs apart and hands confidently on one hip, she exudes an air of defiance amidst this degrading spectacle. The chaos unfolds as various characters animate the scene: a man energetically dances beside her with an ale-mug in hand while another man - possibly her husband - demands attention from onlookers. On the left side, a chimney sweep mischievously empties soot onto the crowd as a Jewish seller of old clothes approaches. Meanwhile, an angry woman grabs hold of an unsuspecting man. Intriguingly juxtaposed against this lively street life is St Paul's Cathedral's majestic dome visible in the distance, symbolizing both continuity and contrast within society. This anonymous aquatint print offers us insight into themes that were prevalent during that era such as gender dynamics and societal norms surrounding marriage. It serves as both satire and social commentary on sexism and degradation experienced by women at that time. Preserved by Guildhall Library and Art Gallery, this monochrome image invites contemplation about power dynamics between men and women while shedding light on occupations and trades that shaped city life in historic England.
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