Beggar with Basket 1844

Charles Jacque’s "Beggar with Basket" is a striking etching that captures the hardships of poverty in 19th-century France. The artwork depicts a man with a long beard and a weathered face, his worn clothing and the basket he carries highlighting his poverty. The artist’s masterful use of line and shading creates a powerful sense of realism, evoking empathy for the subject’s plight. Jacque’s masterful etching skills are evident in the detailed depiction of the man’s clothing, basket, and the textured ground he stands on, further adding to the realistic and emotionally evocative nature of the piece. The artwork's intimate scale, with its delicate lines and details, serves to draw the viewer into the subject’s world and allows them to experience their struggles firsthand.