Beggar with a Wooden Leg c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot's "Beggar with a Wooden Leg," an etching from the early 17th century, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure feels burdened, yet there's a strange dignity. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: Notice the hat with the feather, the crutches, the wooden leg itself. Each speaks volumes about societal attitudes toward disability and poverty, doesn't it? Think of them as visual metaphors for resilience and marginalization. Editor: So, the image isn't just about depicting a beggar, but about… Curator: …invoking cultural memory. Callot uses recognizable visual cues to tap into collective understanding of the beggar archetype, imbuing the figure with pathos and, perhaps, even a bit of defiance. It reveals the psychology of both the giver and the receiver of charity. Editor: I never thought of it that way, it's more than just a portrait! Curator: Exactly. These enduring symbols connect us to the past, prompting reflection on how we perceive and treat those on the fringes of society even today.