Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images July 2020
BALLAD SELLER
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
BALLAD SELLER
A girl sells ballads and religious prints while the snowflakes fall around her Date: circa 1840
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 20144887
© Bubblepunk
1840 Ballad Ballads Seller Sells Trades Snowflakes
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative image from the early 19th century, a young girl braves the wintry weather as she sets up her humble stall on a snow-covered street. Bundled up against the cold, she offers for sale a selection of ballads and religious prints, their vibrant colors and intricate details a stark contrast to the monochromatic landscape around her. The girl's determined expression and the warmth emanating from the makeshift fire at her feet suggest that she is not only selling these items but also sharing stories and spreading faith with those who pause to browse her wares. The trade of selling ballads and religious prints was a common one in Europe during this period, with itinerant vendors traveling from town to town to peddle their merchandise. These prints, often hand-painted or woodcut, were an important source of entertainment and education for those in rural areas who had limited access to books or other forms of literacy. The ballads, with their tales of love, adventure, and folklore, would have been particularly popular, as they could be sung and shared orally as well as read. Despite the challenges of the cold and the snow, the girl's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit are on full display in this image. Her presence on the street not only underscores the importance of small-scale trade in the past but also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling and the human connection it fosters. This poignant scene, frozen in time, invites us to reflect on the ways in which the past continues to shape our present and the importance of preserving the stories and traditions that have come before us.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
