Blinde bedelaar 1756

Editor: This is "Blind Beggar" created in 1756 by Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre. It's an etching, and what immediately strikes me is its simplicity. It's such a stark portrayal of vulnerability. What do you make of it? Curator: Oh, I'm immediately drawn into the character's interior world. He sits there, perched precariously on that little stool. There's a quiet dignity about him despite the obvious hardship. Notice the lightness of the etching – Pierre almost breathes air into the scene. I find myself wondering, what's he thinking? Does he hear the world around him, or is he lost in his own silence? Editor: That’s beautiful, breathing air into the scene. It definitely softens what could have been a much harsher depiction. Do you think it challenges the usual way beggars were depicted back then? Curator: Absolutely! Rather than a theatrical display of misery, typical of Baroque depictions, we have… well, almost a portrait of introspection. Pierre’s invitation to meet this person not with pity, but perhaps understanding and quiet reflection is a welcome sight, if I may say so myself. He invites you to reflect on empathy, not judgment. Doesn't it make you consider who society chooses to see, and who it overlooks? Editor: I never thought about it that way, but I see it now. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. Art's always whispering secrets, if you know how to listen. Editor: I'll keep that in mind. This has really opened my eyes!