The Street Vendor (La Marchande ambulante)

Paul Sérusier

National Gallery of Art

The image depicts the upper half of a person seated at a table outdoors. The person has a serious expression with closed lips. They are dressed in a dark cloak and a garment with a collar, and their hair is covered by a hood or scarf. The person is holding a bowl and a utensil. On the table in front of them is a covered dish or container, and there is another jar or container to the side. The scene features a stark contrast between the dark lines of the figures and the lighter background on coarse paper. In the background, there is a simple depiction of a tent with figures in dark clothing nearby, as well as a building with closed windows and a door. Smaller figures behind the tent add depth to the scene, which is set in a public square or similar open space.