Beggar on Crutches, Wearing Cap c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Beggar on Crutches, Wearing Cap," made with etching. The lines are so detailed, showing tattered clothes and a worn figure. What does this etching reveal to you? Curator: It showcases Callot's mastery of the etching process, transforming readily available materials into commentary on the socio-economic conditions of his time. The printmaking enabled wider circulation of these images, which were critical of wealth distribution and its consequences. Editor: So, the *process* of creating the print allowed it to be a tool for social commentary? Curator: Precisely! The materials, the technique, and distribution all played a part in shaping its meaning and impact. It highlights not just the subject, but the societal structures that allowed such poverty to persist. Editor: I hadn't considered the materials and production as part of the message itself. Thanks for pointing that out!