Bedelende moeder met vier kleine kinderen 1744 - 1797

This etching by François Philippe Charpentier, titled "Bedelende moeder met vier kleine kinderen" (Begging Mother with Four Small Children), depicts a poignant scene of poverty and desperation. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to highlight the figures' worn clothing and weary expressions, emphasizing their plight. The etching was created between 1744 and 1797 and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the artist's keen observation of social realities in 18th-century Europe. This piece serves as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by the less fortunate during that era.