Acquavitaro (Brandy and Spirits Seller) - Bartolomeo Pinelli

A detailed etching by Bartolomeo Pinelli depicting a Roman street vendor of spirits, capturing the character and costume of early 19th-century Italy.

This etching by Bartolomeo Pinelli depicts an 'Acquavitaro', a street vendor of brandy and spirits, a common figure in the daily life of early nineteenth-century Rome. Pinelli, a prolific illustrator and printmaker, dedicated much of his career to documenting the customs, costumes, and characters of the Roman populace. His work provides a visual record of the social strata of the city, moving away from the idealised subjects of the period to focus on the reality of the streets.

The composition is straightforward, placing the vendor centrally against a simplified background. The artist uses precise, controlled lines to define the textures of the man's clothing, the woven basket, and the glass bottles he carries. The cross-hatching technique creates depth and shadow, particularly in the folds of the trousers and the underside of the tray. The figure stands with a sense of quiet dignity, his gaze directed towards the viewer, capturing a moment of pause in his working day.

Pinelli's approach to printmaking is characterised by a clear, graphic quality that makes his subjects legible and immediate. This piece is part of a larger series documenting the various trades and types found in Rome. By focusing on the specific tools of the trade, such as the small glasses and bottles arranged on the tray, Pinelli offers a glimpse into the material culture of the time. The work is signed 'Pinelli inv.' and 'e incise' at the bottom, indicating his role as both the inventor of the composition and the engraver of the plate. This print serves as a historical document of Roman street life, reflecting the artist's interest in the everyday activities of his contemporaries.