Oude blinde bedelaar c. 1770

"Oude blinde bedelaar," an etching by Pieter (II) Langendijk, depicts a seated blind beggar with a dog at his feet. Created in 1770, the artwork is a satirical representation of the plight of beggars and their dependence on the charity of others. The beggar's somber expression, wrinkled clothing, and reliance on a stick to navigate his surroundings highlight his vulnerability. Langendijk's detailed etching style brings the subject to life, emphasizing the contrast between the beggar's poverty and the potential wealth of those passing by.