The artwork “Peddler” by Jackson Pollock, created approximately between 1930 and 1935, is an exemplar of Expressionism, a movement that sought to convey emotional experience over physical reality. This genre painting showcases the daily life or a common scene, typically in a manner that is emotionally charged and personal to the artist, which can be seen in the dynamic brushwork and evocative use of color within the piece.
In “Peddler,” a riot of colors and frenetic lines come together to depict what appears to be a vendor with his cart, as suggested by the name of the piece. There is a strong sense of movement and the figures are rendered with a kind of raw, unrefined vigor. The peddler at the center is seated on a cart drawn by two horses, his posture suggesting a weary resolve. Beside him, to the left, a figure stands with an undefined, ghostly appearance – possibly a customer or a passerby. The background is a wash of bold yellows, reds, and blues, possibly suggesting a busy street scene or fair, but details are abstracted, favoring emotional impression over detailed representation. The horses are depicted with energetic strokes, showing both their strength and the dynamism of the scene. Pollock’s work in this period reflects an exploration of form and color that presages his later move to the drip paintings for which he would become most famous.
