Old Beggar with One Crutch c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's etching, "Old Beggar with One Crutch," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark lines create a haunting image. There is such fragility in the figure's posture, the way the lines almost seem to droop. Curator: Callot was a master of etching, known for his technical skill. Note the precision in rendering the beggar's tattered clothes, evidence of both labor and destitution. Editor: Absolutely. It’s impossible to ignore the social commentary here. How does the artist frame poverty and disability? Is this an empathetic portrait, or something else? Curator: Consider the labor involved in producing prints like these, and the role they played in circulating images of the marginalized within a growing market for art. Editor: True. The image speaks volumes, highlighting the systematic inequalities of his time. It’s a somber piece that makes you think about the unseen. Curator: Indeed. The etching process itself, and the materials Callot used, reflect broader economic and social realities. Editor: Thanks to Callot's skill, the beggar isn't just an image; he's a presence. It's a powerful, unsettling statement.