Il Carnacciaro (The Meat Seller) - Bartolomeo Pinelli

An etching by Bartolomeo Pinelli depicting a Roman meat seller with his wares, accompanied by three cats.

Bartolomeo Pinelli was a prolific Roman artist, known for his documentation of the daily life, customs, and costumes of the people of Rome during the early nineteenth century. This etching, titled Il Carnacciaro, captures a street vendor carrying a wooden yoke across his shoulders, from which various cuts of meat are suspended. The scene is typical of Pinelli’s work, which often focused on the common trades and figures found in the streets of the Eternal City.

The composition is clear and direct, placing the vendor at the centre of the frame. He is depicted in traditional attire, his posture suggesting the weight of his wares. Below him, three cats wait expectantly, adding a touch of narrative humour to the scene. Pinelli’s technique relies on precise, clean lines to define the forms of the figure, the architecture in the background, and the textures of the meat and the animals. The background is kept minimal, ensuring the focus remains on the interaction between the vendor and the animals.

Pinelli produced numerous series of prints depicting Roman life, which were popular with travellers on the Grand Tour. These works provide a visual record of a society that was rapidly changing. His ability to capture the character of his subjects with economy and wit is evident here. The etching is signed in the lower left corner and includes the title in Italian at the bottom, characteristic of his published collections. This print offers a glimpse into the vernacular culture of Rome, presented with the technical clarity of a skilled draughtsman. It is a fine example of the genre studies that defined Pinelli’s career and his contribution to the visual history of Italy.