Market Scene

The painter depicts objects in every-day use, primarily tools, kitchen appliances and dishes made of diverse materials, which correspond in every detail to the equipment used at the time. The costumes of the figures mirror the clothes worn at the time by Dutch market women and country folk.

This painting shows three people: a man edges closer to the younger of two market women, apparently with an unequivocal proposition. The two are surrounded by the goods for sale, such as butter, cheese, eggs and poultry in baskets, barrels and on wooden cheese plates. The goods displayed in such abundance in Beuckelaer’s painting bear a metaphorical message which is erotic rather than religious. They are perceived as aphrodisiacs or used colloquially as synonyms for sexual feelings and practices.