Reverse Copy of Les Deux Mendiantes (The Two Female Beggars), from Les Gueux suite appelée aussi Les Mendiants, Les Baroni, ou Les Barons (The Beggars, also called the Barons) 1625 - 1700

This print, "Reverse Copy of Les Deux Mendiantes," presents us with two female beggars, their identities shrouded in the anonymity of everyday hardship. Although the artist is unknown, this work belongs to a series known as "The Beggars," reflecting a fascination and perhaps a discomfort with the lives of those on the margins of society. The image invites us to consider the cultural narratives surrounding poverty and gender. The women's clothing, while simple, hints at a life disrupted by circumstance, rather than defined by it. What does it mean to look at an image of poverty reproduced and circulated as art? Does it offer a window into a life, or does it reinforce a divide? Consider how the act of copying, indicated in the title, adds another layer to these questions. What is lost, or perhaps gained, when an image of already marginalized figures is reproduced? This work challenges us to think about representation, and how we engage with images of others' lives, especially when those lives reflect systemic inequality.