Reverse Copy of Le Mendiant aux Béquilles et la Besace (The Beggar with the Crutches and the Pouch), from Les Gueux suite appelée aussi Les Mendiants, Les Baroni, ou Les Barons (The Beggars, also called the Barons) 1625 - 1700

This anonymous etching from the 17th century depicts a beggar with crutches and a pouch, a powerful portrayal of social inequality during this time. The intricately detailed lines capture the texture of the beggar’s ragged clothing and the harshness of his life, highlighting the disparity between the rich and poor. The stark contrast between the figure’s weathered face and the simple background further emphasizes the subject’s vulnerability. This print, from a series titled "The Beggars," offers a glimpse into the realities of life for the marginalized in 17th-century society.