Reverse Copy of L'Hospice (The Almshouse), from "Les Caprices" Series A, The Florence Set 1620 - 1700

This reverse copy of ‘L’Hospice’ etching presents us with a scene dominated by the almshouse itself, a sanctuary for the needy. But let us look closer: observe the pointing figure in the foreground, a gesture laden with meaning. The act of pointing, seemingly simple, echoes through the corridors of art history. Recall Leonardo's John the Baptist, finger raised, directing our gaze heavenward. This symbolic pointing has ancient roots, and its appearance here evokes a sense of guidance, or perhaps accusation. The almshouse itself, a place of refuge, calls to mind the cyclical nature of human experience - a place of last resort. Here, the architecture almost seems to press down on the figures, evoking a sense of enclosure. Consider, too, the state of poverty of the figures; one is reminded of the medieval ‘Dance of Death’, the ‘danse macabre’, where everyone, regardless of status, ends up at the same point. The artist is not simply depicting a scene; he is tapping into a reservoir of collective memory, urging us to reflect on fate, human compassion, and the inevitable.