Blinde bedelaar 1756

"Blinde bedelaar" (Blind Beggar) is an etching created by Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre in 1756. The artwork depicts a blind man, seated on a stool, holding a cup and likely asking for alms. Pierre, a Dutch artist born in 1713, was known for his realistic depictions of everyday life. This etching captures the somber reality of poverty and disability in the 18th century. The artwork, currently held at the Rijksmuseum, is a small-scale piece measuring 175 mm in height and 114 mm in width. The etching's delicate lines and subtle shading create a sense of realism and evoke empathy for the subject. "Blinde bedelaar" is a poignant example of social commentary through art, highlighting the plight of the marginalized in Dutch society.