In this 16th century painting, the fruits and vegetables at the market appear fresh and plentiful. In reality, average people in the pre-industrial era had limited food choices and faced seasonal food shortages. Throughout history, the work of cooking, cleaning, and caring for the family has been associated with women. Investigating Family, Food, and Housing Themes in Social Studies asks students to critically examine these assumptions using primary source images and texts.
Joachim Beuckelaer. Market Woman with Fruit, Vegetables and Poultry, painting, 1564. (Courtesy Wikimedia Commons)