The Peasant Couple at Market
Albrecht Dürer German
Not on view
Here is a favorite comedic theme of the sixteenth century: a pair of ill-matched lovers. With his muscular build, declamatory gesture, and contrapposto pose, the young peasant man evokes ancient statues of the Roman ruler Augustus Caesar. Yet this is hardly a heroic image. Innuendo abounds with the inclusion of the jug, egg basket, and money bag—all sexual symbols. The older woman undercuts his virility, her domination of the relationship suggested by the two dead cocks in her hand. The laughter the engraving drew came at the expense of women, the aged, and the poor.
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