Lingelbach made sketches from life in Rome, from which he composed this imaginary marketplace after he returned to Amsterdam. The figures take no interest in the antique ruins; their attention is absorbed by the tooth-puller at the left, who treats his victim while on horseback. In the centre, two men play morra (which involves them guessing how many fingers their opponent will hold up). At right is a ciambellaro selling pretzels and other refreshments.