Reverse Copy of Le Gueux Appuyé sur son Baton (The Beggar Leaning on His Cane), from Les Gueux suite appelée aussi Les Mendiants, Les Baroni, ou Les Barons (The Beggars, also called the Barons) 1625 - 1700

This is a reverse copy of an etching, part of the series 'The Beggars', whose author is unfortunately anonymous. Observe how the composition is dominated by the figure of a beggar, leaning on a cane. The use of line in this etching is striking; see how densely packed, chaotic strokes define the texture of the man’s ragged clothing and frail body. This technique creates a visual language that speaks to poverty and marginalization. The artist uses line not just to describe form but to convey a sense of the man's weary existence. The print engages with the semiotics of poverty, using recognizable visual cues to communicate his social status. The choice to replicate this work raises questions about authenticity and the circulation of images. It invites us to reflect on how the visual representation of poverty can be endlessly reproduced, questioning the meaning and value of artistic creation.