Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Boroughs > City of London
Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London. 1797
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London. 1797
Wife being sold at Smithfield Market, London. 1797. Text below
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15170494
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Humiliated Humiliation Market Matthias Sell Seller Selling Sexism Sexist Smithfield Market Street Life
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Arts
> Portraits
> Pop art gallery
> Street art portraits
> Arts
> Realistic drawings
> Still life artwork
> Fine art
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of London
EDITORS COMMENTS
Caption: "A Shocking Display of Sexism and Humiliation: Wife Being Sold at Smithfield Market, London in 1797". This powerful print captures a disturbing scene from the streets of 18th century London. In this engraving, an anonymous artist depicts a shocking incident that took place at Smithfield Market in 1797 - the sale of a wife. The image portrays a crowd gathering around as a man shamelessly sells his wife to the highest bidder. The woman's face reveals her humiliation and distress, while onlookers seem both intrigued and appalled by this spectacle. This engraving serves as an unsettling reminder of the deeply ingrained sexism prevalent during that time period. Smithfield Market, known for its bustling trade in food and livestock, becomes an unexpected backdrop for such a degrading event. The anonymity surrounding this artwork further emphasizes society's complicity in perpetuating gender inequality. Although it is important to acknowledge historical context when examining such images, we must also recognize the progress made since then towards achieving gender equality. Today, these scenes would be met with outrage rather than curiosity. Preserved within Guildhall Library and Art Gallery archives, this photograph offers us insight into street life during the eighteenth century while serving as a stark reminder of how far we have come in challenging sexist attitudes towards women. "
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.
