Regattiero, plate 14 - Simon Guillain

A seventeenth-century etching by Simon Guillain depicting a street vendor, part of a series documenting trades in Bologna.

This etching, titled Regattiero, is plate 14 from a series of prints by the French sculptor and printmaker Simon Guillain. The work depicts a street vendor, or regattiero, captured in a moment of daily commerce. Guillain, primarily known for his sculptural work in Paris, produced this series of etchings to document the various trades and figures observed in the streets of Bologna during his time in Italy.

The composition focuses on the figure of the vendor, who stands in a relaxed posture while holding a piece of fabric. The artist employs a clear, linear approach, using hatching to define the folds of the clothing and the texture of the surrounding environment. Behind the figure, a simple architectural element, featuring a window with a grille, provides a sense of place without distracting from the subject. The etching demonstrates a keen observation of social types, a common interest among artists of the seventeenth century who sought to record the diversity of urban life.

The print is marked with the initials of the artist and the plate number in the lower right corner. The technique reflects the period's preference for clean, descriptive lines over heavy tonal shading, allowing the character of the individual to remain the primary focus. This piece offers a glimpse into the historical documentation of street life, providing a record of the attire and activities of the working class in the mid-seventeenth century. As a museum-grade print, this reproduction maintains the clarity and precision of the original etching, preserving the historical character of Guillain's work for contemporary display.