London / Cries / Matches
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
London / Cries / Matches
The match girl
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 592873
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10042557
1823 Cries Match Matches Trades
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the spirit of London's bustling streets in the early 19th century, as depicted in a photograph from the Mary Evans Picture Library entitled "Matches (The Match Girl)," taken from the original painting by an unknown artist in 1823. The scene unfolds on a narrow, cobblestone street, where a young girl, bundled against the cold, sells matches from a small wooden box. Her determined expression and the smoky, dimly lit surroundings suggest the long hours and hardships endured by those who made their living through the humble match trade. Historically, the match trade was a common occupation for women and children in London, particularly in the impoverished areas of the city. Matches were a necessary commodity in a time before electric lighting, and the trade offered a means of survival for many. The girl in the photograph wears a simple, threadbare dress, and her shoes are worn and muddy, reflecting the harsh realities of her daily life. Despite the challenging conditions, the girl maintains a sense of dignity and determination, her gaze fixed on the passing foot traffic as she calls out to potential customers. The smoke from her matches curls up into the air, a reminder of the warmth and light they provide, even in the darkest of circumstances. This photograph offers a glimpse into London's past, providing a poignant reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of those who lived and worked in the city during a time of great change and hardship. The match girl stands as a symbol of the countless individuals who, through their perseverance and determination, managed to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.
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