Image Credits
Claes Molenaer, Pig Market in a Dutch Town, c 1630-1676
Description
Some researchers have noted that there were almost as many pigs in the streets of New Amsterdam as people! Pigs were a source of meat, and a method of keeping the streets clean. Although a variety of pigs are shown in the painting here, it is likely that a rather lean, gray colored pig was common in New Amsterdam.
The famous Dutch Door that allows you to open the top of the door and keep the bottom of the door closed was intended to keep pigs from coming in to the houses in search of something to eat!