Bedelaar met twee krukken en een houten been c. 1770

"Bedelaar met twee krukken en een houten been" (c. 1770) is an etching by Pieter (II) Langendijk depicting a beggar with a wooden leg and crutches. The image is a social commentary on the plight of the poor and disabled in 18th-century Dutch society. The beggar's posture and facial expression convey a sense of hardship and desperation, while the inscription below suggests a sense of cunning and self-interest. Langendijk's work, known for its satirical nature, highlights the complexities of poverty and its social implications in a time of significant societal change. This small etching, measuring 136 mm x 117 mm, is a poignant and evocative portrayal of human struggle and resilience.